Who is identified as the drive theorist?

• A. Yerkes and Dodson
• B. Inverted U theorist
• C. Drive theory
• D. Hull

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is which psychologist is linked to the drive reduction approach to motivation. Clark Hull is identified as the drive theorist because he developed drive reduction theory, which says that internal physiological needs create drives that push behavior aimed at reducing tension. He explains learning and action in terms of how strong a drive is and how well a person has formed habits to respond to it, such that greater drives and stronger habit strength lead to stronger responses. The other options don’t fit this attribution: Yerkes and Dodson are known for the relationship between arousal and performance, not drive reduction; an inverted-U theorist isn’t a named person; and drive theory is the name of the concept, not the individual.