What do we call rewards or other stimuli that prompt us to take action?

The correct term for rewards or other stimuli that prompt us to take action is "incentive." Incentives are external factors that encourage individuals to perform a certain behavior or take a specific action. They can manifest as tangible rewards like money or prizes, or they can be intangible, such as praise or recognition. The presence of an incentive can significantly influence decision-making and behavior by creating a desirable outcome associated with a particular action.

In contrast, motivation refers to the internal process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. While motivation can be influenced by incentives, it is a broader concept that encompasses both intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving behavior. Drive represents an internal state that pushes one toward fulfilling a need or achieving a goal, often linked to biological urges. Finally, need generally refers to a state of deprivation or deficiency that prompts behavior to meet that need (e.g., hunger or thirst). In summary, while motivation, drive, and need are interconnected concepts related to behavior, "incentive" specifically captures the role of external rewards prompting action.