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Motivational Neuroscience

Meaning

The specialized field of neuroscience that investigates the neural circuits, molecular mechanisms, and hormonal influences underlying the initiation, direction, intensity, and persistence of goal-directed behavior. It explores how the brain’s reward systems, particularly the mesolimbic pathway, process incentive salience and generate the drive necessary to overcome inertia and pursue long-term objectives. This research provides a biological basis for understanding human motivation, decision-making, and self-control.