Extrinsic Motivation

Definition

This refers to behavior driven by external rewards such as money, fame, grades, and praise. These types of motivation arise from outside the individual rather than from within.

Related terms

Operant Conditioning:

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence (whether negative or positive) for that behavior.

Reinforcement:

In operant conditioning, reinforcement strengthens the behaviors leading up to it like a prize for winning a race encourages running fast.

Social Learning Theory:

A theory of learning process which proposes that new behaviors can be acquired by observing and imitating others.