Thursday, March 2, 2017

What are Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation?



Previously, I have mentioned the more complex aspects of motivation, such as achievement motivation, and how it relates to achievement goals. But for today I will articulate on a simple yet significant distinction in motivation literature which is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic Motivation occurs when an individual is motivated by something external such as a reward, a desire to avoid punishment, money, good grades, etc. This is a very common method for getting others to accomplish or do something specific as a means to promote appropriate behavior or achievement.    

Intrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that exists because of internal factors such as engaging task because it is personally rewarding. For example, the individual believes that the task at hand is very exciting or enjoyable. This contrasts the previous type of motivation since no external rewards are involved.    

Though everyone desires a sense of personal independence and therefore value intrinsic motivation over extrinsic motivation - namely since intrinsic motivation leads to higher productivity- extrinsic rewards are also essential. Extrinsic motivation is helpful in motivated those who have no initial interest in a subject and can also provide a structure for people who already have internal motivation to be aided by an external force. In this way, external rewards can potentially incentivize people to promote efficiency alongside what they are already doing.

Do you want to easily find out which one you are? I created an online quiz that you can take here!



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