Reflections on Learning
Psych of Human Motivation and Performance
Capella University
Joseph Davis
Breanna Douglas
January 2026
, Introduction:
When people are placed under extreme stress, their behavior often changes in ways they
never expected. The situation at Highend Hotel after several days without power shows how
quickly basic discomfort can turn into frustration, conflict, and even criminal behavior. As a
middle school teacher, I have seen similar patterns in my classroom when students feel
overwhelmed, hungry, tired, or bored, their behavior can quickly spiral if structure and
motivation are missing. This paper applies learning and incentive theories of motivation to
explain why some hotel guests engage in theft and assault, while others cooperate and help. It
also proposes a realistic plan to reduce criminal behavior. In addition, I reflect on my own
motivation as a learner and outline strategies to improve my academic performance using the
same motivational principles.
Part 1:
The primary problem addressed in this scenario is criminal and aggressive behavior,
including theft, physical assaults, and harassment of hotel staff. After four days without power,
guests are hot, unclean, bored, and cut off from technology. These conditions create frustration
and competition for limited resources, such as food delivered by the National Guard. While some
guests cooperate, others push, steal, or make unreasonable demands. These behaviors threaten
safety and make an already difficult situation worse for both guests and staff.
Psych of Human Motivation and Performance
Capella University
Joseph Davis
Breanna Douglas
January 2026
, Introduction:
When people are placed under extreme stress, their behavior often changes in ways they
never expected. The situation at Highend Hotel after several days without power shows how
quickly basic discomfort can turn into frustration, conflict, and even criminal behavior. As a
middle school teacher, I have seen similar patterns in my classroom when students feel
overwhelmed, hungry, tired, or bored, their behavior can quickly spiral if structure and
motivation are missing. This paper applies learning and incentive theories of motivation to
explain why some hotel guests engage in theft and assault, while others cooperate and help. It
also proposes a realistic plan to reduce criminal behavior. In addition, I reflect on my own
motivation as a learner and outline strategies to improve my academic performance using the
same motivational principles.
Part 1:
The primary problem addressed in this scenario is criminal and aggressive behavior,
including theft, physical assaults, and harassment of hotel staff. After four days without power,
guests are hot, unclean, bored, and cut off from technology. These conditions create frustration
and competition for limited resources, such as food delivered by the National Guard. While some
guests cooperate, others push, steal, or make unreasonable demands. These behaviors threaten
safety and make an already difficult situation worse for both guests and staff.
