The cognitive view of motivation suggests that individuals are driven by:

The cognitive view of motivation emphasizes the importance of internal thought processes in driving behavior. According to this perspective, individuals are influenced by how they perceive and interpret their experiences, including their thoughts about themselves and their environment. This view posits that motivation is not merely a response to external stimuli, such as rewards or punishments, but is significantly shaped by cognitive evaluations, beliefs, and goals. These internal reflections guide how individuals set their objectives, sustain effort, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of motivation. External rewards and punishments highlight behaviorist theories, which emphasize observable actions rather than cognitive processes. Social interactions and peer influences center on social learning perspectives, which examine the role of others in shaping motivation but do not delve into individual cognitive processes. Biological factors and instincts relate to more primal drives that are not centered on conscious thought or self-reflection, thus differing from the cognitive view’s focus on thought-based motivations.