motive
A motive is the reason or driving force behind a person's actions or behavior. It explains why someone chooses to do something, whether it's a simple task like helping a friend or a more complex action like committing a crime. Understanding motives can help clarify intentions and predict future actions.
In psychology, motives are often linked to needs and desires, such as hunger, ambition, or fear. They can be influenced by personal experiences, social environment, and cultural factors. Analyzing motives is essential in various fields, including law enforcement, marketing, and human behavior studies.