In the _____ approach to motivation, behavior is explained in terms of an external stimulus and its rewarding properties.

• A. incentive
• B. drive reduction
• C. arousal
• D. hierarchical

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the key concept of motivation in psychology, which refers to the processes that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors.
2. Identify the different approaches to motivation mentioned in the problem: incentive, drive reduction, arousal, and hierarchical.
3. Focus on the 'incentive' approach, which explains motivation in terms of external stimuli and their rewarding properties. This approach suggests that behavior is motivated by a desire for reinforcement or incentives.
4. Contrast the incentive approach with the other options: 'drive reduction' focuses on reducing internal states of tension, 'arousal' involves maintaining optimal levels of arousal, and 'hierarchical' refers to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
5. Conclude by recognizing that the incentive approach is the one that specifically explains behavior in terms of external stimuli and their rewarding properties, making it the correct answer in this context.