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Social Motivation

Definition

Social motivation is the human need to interact with others and to be accepted by them.

Analogy

Think of social motivation like being part of a sports team. You want to interact with your teammates (socialize), contribute to the team's success (participate), and be valued by your peers (accepted).

Related terms

Belongingness: The emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. Like wanting to feel part of the team.

Social Comparison Theory: The idea that we determine our own social and personal worth based on how we stack up against others. Like comparing your skills or performance with other players in the team.

Ingroup Bias: The tendency to favor one's own group over outsiders. Like cheering for your own team even when they're not performing well.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.