Drive reduction theory

The Drive Reduction Theory grows out of the concept that we have certain biological needs, such as hunger. As time passes the strength of the drive increases as it is not satisfied. Then as we satisfy that drive by fulfilling its desire, such as eating, then the drives strength is reduced. It is based on the theories of Freud and the idea of negative feedback systems, such as a thermostat.

There are several problems, however, that leave the validity of the Drive Reduction Theory open for debate: *The first problem is that it does not explain how Secondary Reinforcers reduce drive. For example, money does not satisfy any biological or psychological need but reduces drive on a regular basis through a pay check (see: second-order conditioning).
 * Secondly, if the drive reduction theory held true we would not be able to explain how a hungry human being can prepare a meal without eating the food before the end of the preparation. Supposedly, the drive to satiate one's hunger would drive a person to consume the food, however we prepare food on a regular basis and "ignore" the drive to eat.
 * Thirdly, a drive is a theoretical construct and is not able to be measured and therefore cannot be proven to exist in the first place.

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Papers

 * Google Scholar