Extrinsic Motivation

Definition

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in a behavior or activity in order to obtain a separable outcome or reward, rather than for the inherent satisfaction or enjoyment of the activity itself. It is a type of motivation that is influenced by external factors, such as tangible benefits, social recognition, or the avoidance of punishment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extrinsic motivation is often associated with the use of rewards, such as money, grades, or praise, to encourage a specific behavior or outcome.
2. Behaviors driven by extrinsic motivation are typically performed to achieve a separable outcome, rather than for the inherent enjoyment or satisfaction of the activity itself.
3. Extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short-term, but it may not lead to long-term engagement or the development of intrinsic interest in the activity.
4. Overreliance on extrinsic rewards can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the 'overjustification effect'.
5. Extrinsic motivation is often contrasted with intrinsic motivation, where the individual engages in an activity for its own sake, without the need for external rewards or pressures.

Review Questions

• Explain how extrinsic motivation differs from intrinsic motivation and provide an example of each.
  • Extrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity to obtain a separable outcome or reward, such as money, grades, or social recognition, rather than for the inherent enjoyment or satisfaction of the activity itself. In contrast, intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of personal interest or a sense of meaning. For example, a student who studies hard to earn a good grade (extrinsic motivation) is different from a student who reads and learns out of genuine curiosity and a love of the subject matter (intrinsic motivation).
• Describe how the use of rewards and reinforcement can influence extrinsic motivation, and discuss the potential drawbacks of over-relying on extrinsic motivators.
  • Extrinsic motivation is often enhanced through the use of rewards and reinforcement, such as providing tangible benefits, praise, or the avoidance of punishment. While these external motivators can be effective in the short-term, they may not lead to long-term engagement or the development of intrinsic interest in the activity. In fact, the overuse of extrinsic rewards can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the 'overjustification effect.' This can occur when individuals start to attribute their engagement in an activity primarily to the external reward, rather than their own internal desire or enjoyment. Consequently, over-relying on extrinsic motivators can hinder the cultivation of autonomous, self-directed learning and intrinsic motivation.
• Analyze the role of extrinsic motivation in the context of educational settings, and discuss strategies that teachers can use to foster a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in their students.
  • In educational settings, extrinsic motivation is commonly used to encourage student engagement and achievement, such as through the use of grades, praise, and other rewards. While extrinsic motivators can be effective in the short-term, an over-reliance on them can potentially undermine students' intrinsic motivation and lead to a focus on external rewards rather than the inherent value of learning. To foster a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, teachers can implement strategies such as providing autonomy-supportive learning environments, offering meaningful choices, and emphasizing the relevance and personal significance of the material. Additionally, teachers can encourage students to reflect on their own interests and intrinsic reasons for learning, while gradually reducing the use of extrinsic rewards as students develop a stronger internal drive to learn. By striking a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, teachers can help students develop a love of learning and become more self-directed in their educational pursuits.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation:

Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of personal interest, enjoyment, or a sense of meaning, rather than for external rewards or pressures.

Reinforcement:

Reinforcement is the process of strengthening a behavior by providing a positive consequence, such as a reward, following the desired behavior.

Operant Conditioning:

Operant conditioning is a type of learning where behaviors are modified through the use of reinforcement or punishment, leading to an increase or decrease in the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future.