motivus

Motivus is a term used in motivational psychology and related disciplines to describe an integrated system that converts internal drives, states, and external incentives into purposeful behavior. The concept is not a single theory but a family of models that share the aim of explaining how goals are selected, pursued, and maintained over time. Etymologically derived from the Latin motus meaning "moving," motivus emphasizes the driving force behind action.

Core idea: Motivus posits three interacting components: internal state (needs, preferences, arousal), anticipated outcomes (rewards, penalties, social consequences), and cognitive control processes (planning, effort evaluation, monitoring). The relative weighting of these inputs determines action choice and persistence, especially under costs such as effort or uncertainty.

Computationally, motivus is often modeled as a latent value signal updated by prediction errors; models compute an expected value for each option, subtract effort costs, and incorporate temporal aspects like delay and probability. Neural correlates include dopaminergic reward circuits (e.g., striatum), ventromedial prefrontal cortex for value representation, and regions involved in effort and control (anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex).

Usage and reception: Motivus is widely used in theoretical discussions and computational modeling but remains a broad and somewhat inconsistent label. It informs research on goal setting, habit formation, and human-computer interaction, while some scholars prefer more specific terminology such as motivation, drive, and value-based decision making. See also: motivation, goal-directed behavior, reinforcement learning.