AAMC FL Practice Exam

What does incentive theory primarily focus on?

1. Unconscious motivations

2. Free will

3. Avoiding unwanted stimuli

4. Symbolic interactions

The correct answer is: Avoiding unwanted stimuli

Incentive theory primarily focuses on the idea that behavior is motivated by the desire to attain specific rewards or avoid negative outcomes. It explains that individuals are driven to act in ways that maximize positive incentives and minimize negative ones. In this framework, incentives can be external rewards such as money, praise, or other forms of recognition, which encourage actions that are deemed desirable. When examining the options, the focus of incentive theory aligns most closely with the concept of avoiding unwanted stimuli, as people are often motivated to change their behavior in order to avoid negative consequences. This reinforces the idea that motivation arises from the desire to move toward rewards and away from punishments or undesirable situations. The other options do not capture the essence of incentive theory as accurately. Unconscious motivations refer more to psychodynamic theories, free will pertains to philosophical discussions about consciousness and choice, and symbolic interactions emphasize the social context and meanings derived from interactions, which are not central to the primary focus of incentive theory.