Profile

Dr. Bobby Hoffman is an Associate Professor, researcher, and author who specializes in motivation science and solving the mysteries of human behavior. At the University of Central Florida, he teaches a variety of graduate-level courses in motivation, learning, cognition, and intelligence. However, he is not your typical academic. Before earning his PhD in Educational Psychology in 2006, he worked for over 20 years in Human Resources management and performance consulting for some of the world's most successful companies including General Electric, NBC, KPMG, and the NBA.

Dr. Hoffman is the author of five books including his latest bold blueprint “The Paradox of Passion: How Rewards Covertly Control Motivation,” that exposes the scientifically questionable yet pervasive narrative that intrinsic motivation and passion are the ultimate drivers of peak performance. This book simplifies complicated motivation research and cracks the code on neuropsychology, turning cutting-edge findings into powerful techniques that harnesses the power of brain science to maximize motivation.

He has also authored the popular book Hack Your Motivation, as well as the textbook Motivation for Learning and Performance, which when published was ranked the #1 new book in Cognitive Psychology according to Amazon.com. Dr. Hoffman is a regular contributor to the Psychology Today website where his blog “Motivate” has been downloaded by over 1.2 million readers.

He has authored over 100 publications in the fields of education, psychology, neuroscience, leadership, and organizational development. In addition, Hoffman has been Division C co-chair for research in motivation and cognition for the American Educational Research Association, the world’s largest gathering of motivational researchers on the planet. He has also twice served as motivation section chair for the American Psychological Association. He serves on six journal editorial boards including Contemporary Educational Psychology, Educational Psychology Review, and Educational Technology, Research & Development.

• Cognitive Processes
• Neuropsychology
• Human Resources

• Ph.D. in Learning & Technology (Educational Psychology), University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Human Resources Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Major: Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ

My most recent research examines the neuropsychological underpinnings of belief change and motivation. In my forthcoming paper "It's time to reconsider: The neuropsychology of belief change" (soon to be published in Trends in Neuroscience and Education, impact factor 3.4), represents a significant interdisciplinary contribution connecting educational psychology with neuroscience. This work builds on my 2024 presentation at the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society in Belgium on "Dopaminergic influences on the propensity for conceptual change," reflecting expanded research into the biological foundations of motivation. This direction is culminated in the October 30, 2025, release of my book "The Paradox of Passion: How Rewards Covertly Control Motivation" (Bloomsbury Academic).

My dedication to advancing scholarly discourse is evident through my service on five editorial boards and my role reviewing conference proposals for prestigious organizations including the American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Psychological Association (APA), and European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI). I am also an Associate editor for educational psychology for the prominent journal Frontiers in Psychology. This work ensures rigorous standards in educational research while establishing UCF as a center for academic excellence.

• EDF 6216: Motivation in Learning & Performance
  Examines the process and impact of motivation from a theoretical and research perspective focusing upon learning and performance with an emphasis on practical applications for educational and workplace settings. (Graduate)
• EDP 6213/6217: Applied Learning & Instruction Seminar I and II
  An overview of contemporary theories and research related to issues in human learning and instruction with an emphasis on practical applications for educational and workplace settings. Seminar I establishes a focus on developing a research problem (which transforms to a literature review in Seminar II) while currently emphasizing an overview of instructional methods. A continuation of the Applied Learning and Instruction Seminar I, Seminar II focuses on cognition, critical thinking, problem solving, self-regulation, and assessment of learning outcomes. (Graduate)
• EDF 6141: Human Intelligence
  Examines the process and impact of intelligence from a theoretical and research perspective focusing upon learning and performance with an emphasis on practical applications for educational and workplace settings. (Graduate)
• EDF 7232: Analysis of Learning Theory
  Analysis of theories and research relevant to understanding learning in educational settings. (Graduate)
• EDP 6936: Capstone in Applied Learning
  Facilitates the use of evidence-based research through project preparation. Students use critical thinking and written communication skills to integrate and apply material learned in courses in learning, instruction, and motivation. (Graduate)