Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What are the two classifications of motivation theory?

1. Intrinsic and extrinsic theories

2. Process theory and content theory

3. Behavioral theory and cognitive theory

4. Normative theory and descriptive theory

The correct answer is: Process theory and content theory

The correct classification of motivation theory into two main categories is based on the distinction between process theories and content theories. Process theories focus on the psychological and cognitive processes that influence an individual’s motivation, examining how motivation is initiated, sustained, directed, and terminated. They explore the mechanisms of motivation and the dynamic interplay of various factors that drive behavior. Content theories, on the other hand, primarily identify the specific needs that must be fulfilled to motivate individuals. These theories outline what motivates individuals and what needs they strive to meet, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which categorizes human needs from basic physiological needs to self-actualization. The other classifications mentioned, like intrinsic and extrinsic theories, refer to the sources of motivation rather than a broader category of theories. Behavioral theory and cognitive theory focus on different aspects of human behavior and thought processes but do not specifically classify motivational theories. Lastly, normative and descriptive theories are terms used in other areas of study that do not directly pertain to the classification of motivation theories. Thus, the distinction between process theory and content theory effectively encompasses the fundamental approaches to understanding motivation.