Extrinsic motivation

Definition

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for external rewards or to avoid negative consequences rather than for the inherent satisfaction of the activity itself. This type of motivation often involves tangible incentives like grades, praise, or other forms of recognition that can influence a person's engagement in learning. Understanding extrinsic motivation helps in identifying how external factors can shape a learner's behavior and commitment to their educational goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extrinsic motivation can enhance engagement by providing clear goals and rewards, which can be especially effective in educational settings.
2. While extrinsic rewards can boost initial interest in a task, over-reliance on them may diminish intrinsic motivation over time.
3. Different types of extrinsic motivators include tangible rewards like money or prizes, as well as social rewards such as praise and recognition from peers or teachers.
4. Research shows that when students feel they are learning for external rewards, they may focus more on performance rather than mastery of content.
5. Effective use of extrinsic motivation involves balancing it with intrinsic motivation to foster long-term engagement and a love for learning.

Review Questions

• How does extrinsic motivation differ from intrinsic motivation in terms of impact on student learning?
  • Extrinsic motivation differs from intrinsic motivation primarily in the source of the drive to learn. Extrinsic motivation focuses on external rewards or recognition, which can lead students to engage in tasks primarily for grades or praise. In contrast, intrinsic motivation stems from personal interest or enjoyment in the learning process itself. While both types of motivation can be effective, relying too heavily on extrinsic factors may hinder students' ability to develop a genuine love for learning.
• What role do reward systems play in shaping extrinsic motivation among adolescents in educational settings?
  • Reward systems play a critical role in shaping extrinsic motivation among adolescents by providing clear incentives that encourage specific behaviors and learning outcomes. By implementing reward systems such as grades, certificates, or public recognition, educators can create an environment that motivates students to achieve their academic goals. However, it is important for these systems to be designed thoughtfully to avoid undermining intrinsic motivation and ensuring that students also value the learning process itself.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of relying on extrinsic motivation for student engagement and academic success.
  • Relying heavily on extrinsic motivation can lead to several long-term effects that may not be beneficial for student engagement and academic success. While initial participation might increase due to external rewards, students may develop a dependency on these incentives, leading to decreased interest in learning activities once rewards are removed. This approach could hinder the development of self-regulation and personal responsibility in learning, potentially resulting in lower academic achievement and a lack of passion for lifelong learning.

Related terms

intrinsic motivation:

Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable, rather than for some separable consequence.

reward systems: Reward systems are structured approaches used to provide incentives to motivate individuals towards achieving specific goals or behaviors.

goal orientation: Goal orientation refers to the reasons individuals have for pursuing certain goals, which can be either performance-focused (extrinsic) or mastery-focused (intrinsic).