Motivation, Effort, and the Neural Network Model

Our understanding of how the human brain operates and completes its essential tasks continues is fundamentally altered from what it was ten years ago. We have moved from an understanding based on the modularity of key structural components and their specialized functions to an almost diametrically opposed, highly integrated neural network model, based on a vertically organized brain dependent on  small world hub principles. This new understanding completely changes how we understand essential psychological constructs such as motivation.

Network modeling posits that motivation is a construct that describes a modified aspect of the operation of the human learning system that is specifically designed to cause a person to pursue a goal. Anthropologically and developmentally,  these goals were initially basic, including things like food, shelter and reproduction. Over the course of time and development they develop into a complex web of extrinsic and then intrinsic goals, objectives and values. The core for all of this development is  the inborn  flight or fight reaction has been modified over time by a combination of inborn human temperamental characteristics and life experiences. This process of  modification is, in part, based on the operation of a network based error-prediction network working in concert with the reward network to produce a system of ever evolving valuations of goals and objectives. These valuations are never truly fixed. They are constantly evolving, being modified and shaped by experience. The error prediction network and learning related networks work in concert with the limbic system to allow affect laden experiences to inform the process of valuation. These networks, operating in concert, produce a cognitive process we call motivation. Like most networks, the motivation system of networks is recruited when the task demands of the situation require them. 

Understanding motivation from this perspective has profound implications for many scientific disciplines in general and psychology in specific. Psychologically, this new understanding will alter how we understand client behavior in therapy and when being evaluated. This new understanding will provide direction for new therapeutic intervention for a variety of disorders of mental health. It will also inform testing practices concerning the evaluation of effort and malingering.  

This book is not a project in reductionism. It is the polar opposite. A neural network understanding of the operation of the human brain allows for the integration of what has come before into a comprehensive and integrated model. It will likely provide the basis for future research for years to come.

Chapter 1. How Neural Networks Work; Chapter.- Chapter 2. Small World Hub, Vertical Brain Modeling of Motivation and Effort.- Chapter 3. Motivation and Gating.- Section 2. Motivation and Effort Reimagined.- Chapter 4. Traditional models of Motivation.- Chapter 5. Traditional Models of Effort.- Chapter 6. The Reward Recognition Network and its Role in Motivation and Effor.- Chapter 7. Is Motivation a State or a Trait.- Chapter 8. Task Dependent Motivation and Effort.- Section 3. Effort Testing Forensic Practice.- Chapter 9. Current models of Effort Testing.- Chapter 10. Reformulated Models of Effort Testing.- Chapter 11. Implications for Psychological and Neuropsychological testing.- Chapter 12. Implications for Forensic Practice.- Section 4. Motivation and Clinical practice.- Chapter 13. How to use the reformulated Model of Motivation in Clinical Practice.- Chapter 14. Encouraging the Development of targeted Motivation.

Dr. Ted Wasserman is board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and board certified in pediatric neuropsychology by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. He is a member of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology and the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology as a result of these board certifications. Dr. Wasserman, a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Florida, completed his doctorate at Hofstra University in 1974. He completed a one-year internship in pediatric neuropsychology at North Shore University Medical Center. Postdoctoral training was completed in Cognitive Behavior Therapy at the Institute for Advanced Study of Rational Psychotherapy under the supervision of Albert Ellis PHD. Dr. Wasserman holds memberships in the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the International Neuropsychological Society and is a founding member and past president of American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology.

Dr. Wasserman is the co-author of three books, Depathologizing Psychopathology, Neurocognitive Learning Therapy: Theory and Practice and Therapy and the Neural Network Model, published by Springer in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Dr. Wasserman has contributed chapters to various books on clinical issues related to family law, autism, and attention deficit disorder and learning disorders. Topics of published papers include children’s development, attention, language and executive function, behavior management and cognitive behavior therapy. He has given invited lectures and provided consultation regarding pediatric neuropsychology throughout the United States and internationally.

Lori Drucker Wasserman has been in clinical practice since 1982. Dr. Wasserman received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University and both her Masters and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Hofstra University. Dr. Wasserman is a licensed psychologist and is Board Certified in Pediatric Neuropsychology by the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. She is also a certified School Psychologist. Dr. Wasserman is certified as a trained examiner for the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.

Dr. Wasserman is the co-author of three books, Depathologizing Psychopathology, Neurocognitive Learning Therapy: Theory and Practice and Therapy and the Neural Network Model, published by Springer in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.