Final answer:
One of the earliest approaches to motivation focused on instincts, as proposed by William James. According to James, behavior is driven by innate instincts that aid in survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the earliest approaches to motivation focused on instincts. William James proposed the instinct theory of motivation, suggesting that behavior is driven by innate instincts that aid in survival. According to James, instincts are biological drives that direct behavior.