drive-induction theory
the theory that reinforcement is a function of the degree of drive induced by a given reinforcer. According to this theory, it is the arousal or excitement produced by consummating a reinforcer (e.g., eating, drinking, mating) that produces reinforcement of behavior, not the reduction of the drive state that the reinforcer may produce. Drive-induction theory was proposed as an alternative to drive-reduction theory. Also called consummatory response theory of reinforcement. [introduced by U.S. learning theorist Frederick Sheffield (1914–1994)]