What psychological concept is involved when expecting a reward increases motivation?

Incentive theory explains how the anticipation of a reward can enhance motivation. This theory posits that behavior is driven not just by biological needs, but also by external incentives. When individuals expect a reward, such as praise, money, or a tangible prize, their motivation to engage in a particular behavior increases because they can envision the benefits that will follow. This perspective emphasizes the importance of external stimuli in influencing behavior and suggests that individuals are more likely to take action when they perceive a clear incentive for doing so.

In contrast, drive theory focuses on the biological urges that motivate behavior, such as hunger or thirst, rather than external rewards. Cognitive dissonance pertains to the psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, which does not directly relate to motivation through expected rewards. Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that people are motivated by the fulfillment of needs ranging from basic physiological requirements to self-actualization, but it does not specifically focus on the impact of expected rewards on motivation in the way that incentive theory does.