Consider the various theories, perspectives and concepts related to internal and external sources of motivation. With those ideas in mind, please explain: What are the major sources of motivation? Which source has the most influence, and why?

     Motivation is the process by which an individual is moved into action (Deckers, 2010). The major sources of motivation are internal and external sources. Internal sources of motivation are psychological and biological variables, and a special case of an internal source are emotions; while external sources of motivation are goals and incentives (Deckers, 2010). During an individuals's common evolutionary history and unique personal history internal sources develop, and external sources are what is available in an individual's environment (Deckers, 2010). An individual's specific behaviors or actions are determined by uncontrollable sources of motivation, such as environmental incentives or internal motives. A motive is an individual's internal disposition of how he or she is concerned with and approaches positive incentives and avoids negative incentives, while incentives are an aversive event or an anticipated reward that is available in an individual's environment (Deckers, 2010). Motives and incentives are linked because

attaining an incentive is the goal of an individual’s motive (Deckers, 2010).

     As for which source (internal or external) has the most influence I believe neither. I believe both internal and external sources are key to motivating an individual's actions or changes in actions. Both internal and external sources are key to functioning and survival.

    Reference

Deckers, L. (2010). Motivation: Biological, psychological, and environmental (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.