Understanding Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind our actions. Psychologists often categorize motivation into two main types: extrinsic and intrinsic. Understanding the difference is key to understanding behavior.

Defining Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation refers to the desire to perform an action because of external factors or rewards. These motivators are applied from outside the individual. Examples include:

• Receiving money or prizes.
• Gaining praise or approval from others.
• Avoiding punishment or negative consequences.
• Meeting a deadline set by someone else.

In the context of the question, extrinsic motivation often comes from factors like the approval of others.

Defining Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation arises from within the individual. It's the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, because it is inherently enjoyable or satisfying. Examples include:

• Learning a new skill purely out of curiosity.
• Engaging in a hobby because it brings joy.
• Solving a puzzle because the challenge is stimulating.
• Feeling a sense of accomplishment or mastery.

Therefore, intrinsic motivation is based on internal factors such as personal satisfaction.

Analyzing the Options

The question asks to fill in the blanks: Extrinsic motivation comes from ____________ while intrinsic motivation is based on ____________.

Based on our definitions:

• Extrinsic motivation relies on external factors like approval of others.
• Intrinsic motivation relies on internal feelings like personal satisfaction.

Let's examine the options provided:

Option 1 correctly identifies that extrinsic motivation stems from external sources like the 'approval of others', and intrinsic motivation stems from internal drivers like 'personal satisfaction'.