hormic theory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Historical / Technical
Quick answer
What does “hormic theory” mean?
A psychological theory proposing that human behavior is primarily driven by innate, purposive strivings toward goals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A psychological theory proposing that human behavior is primarily driven by innate, purposive strivings toward goals.
A theory developed by William McDougall in the early 20th century that views behavior as goal-directed and purposive, rooted in innate instincts and drives, which contrasts with mechanistic, stimulus-response models of psychology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectical differences. The term is used identically in academic history of psychology texts.
Connotations
Connotes a specific historical theory, often presented as an early precursor to modern motivational psychology but superseded by later theories.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, limited to specialized historical and theoretical psychology texts.
Grammar
How to Use “hormic theory” in a Sentence
[Hormic theory] + [verb of explanation, e.g., posits, asserts, proposes] + [that-clause describing purposive behavior]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hormic theory” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hormic perspective fell out of favour.
American English
- His approach was more hormic than mechanistic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used only in historical surveys of psychological theories, often in contrast to behaviorism.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used precisely to refer to McDougall's specific system of thought within the history of psychology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hormic theory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hormic theory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hormic theory”
- Confusing 'hormic' with 'hormonal'.
- Using it as a general term for any motivational theory.
- Spelling it as 'hormonic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily of historical interest. Its core ideas about innate, purposive drives influenced later theories but the specific system was superseded.
It derives from the Greek 'hormē', meaning 'urge', 'impulse', or 'onset of motion'.
Behaviorism, particularly the rigid stimulus-response model proposed by theorists like John B. Watson.
Only in specialized academic contexts: history of psychology, history of science, or theoretical psychology courses.
A psychological theory proposing that human behavior is primarily driven by innate, purposive strivings toward goals.
Hormic theory is usually academic / historical / technical in register.
Hormic theory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɔː.mɪk ˈθɪə.ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːr.mɪk ˈθiː.ə.ri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think HORMONIC (like hormones that drive processes) but remove the 'n' -> HORMIC, a theory about the inner drives that propel behavior.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEHAVIOR IS A JOURNEY TOWARD A DESTINATION (driven by an internal compass).
Practice
Quiz
Hormic theory is primarily associated with which psychological approach?