Intrinsic Motivation

Definition

Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive and desire to engage in an activity or behavior for its own sake, without the need for external rewards or incentives. It is a self-directed form of motivation that stems from within the individual, rather than being driven by external factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intrinsic motivation is associated with greater persistence, creativity, and well-being compared to extrinsic motivation.
2. Providing excessive external rewards or constraints can undermine intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the overjustification effect.
3. Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are the three key psychological needs that, when met, foster intrinsic motivation according to self-determination theory.
4. Intrinsic motivation is often associated with higher levels of task engagement, performance, and long-term learning outcomes.
5. Cultivating intrinsic motivation is a key goal in educational and organizational settings, as it leads to more self-directed and sustained learning and productivity.

Review Questions

• Explain how intrinsic motivation differs from extrinsic motivation and the implications for behavior and performance.
  • Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive to engage in an activity for its own inherent satisfaction and enjoyment, whereas extrinsic motivation involves engaging in an activity to obtain a tangible reward or avoid punishment. Individuals who are intrinsically motivated tend to exhibit greater persistence, creativity, and well-being compared to those who are primarily extrinsically motivated. This is because intrinsic motivation taps into an individual's innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, leading to more self-directed and sustained engagement. In contrast, excessive reliance on external rewards or constraints can undermine intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the overjustification effect.
• Describe the key components of self-determination theory and how they relate to the development and maintenance of intrinsic motivation.
  • Self-determination theory posits that the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs - autonomy, competence, and relatedness - is essential for the development and maintenance of intrinsic motivation. Autonomy refers to the sense of volition and self-direction in one's actions, competence is the feeling of being effective and capable, and relatedness is the experience of meaningful connections with others. When these needs are met, individuals are more likely to engage in activities out of genuine interest and enjoyment, rather than for external rewards or pressures. Conversely, environments that thwart these basic needs can undermine intrinsic motivation and lead to more controlled, extrinsically-driven behavior. Therefore, creating conditions that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness is crucial for fostering intrinsic motivation in educational, organizational, and other settings.
• Evaluate the role of intrinsic motivation in promoting long-term learning, performance, and well-being, and discuss strategies for cultivating intrinsic motivation in educational or applied contexts.
  • Intrinsic motivation is widely recognized as a key driver of optimal human functioning, as it is associated with greater persistence, creativity, and well-being compared to extrinsic motivation. In educational settings, intrinsic motivation has been linked to deeper, more sustained learning, as well as higher levels of academic achievement and engagement. Similarly, in organizational and applied contexts, intrinsically motivated individuals tend to exhibit higher performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. This is because intrinsic motivation taps into an individual's innate psychological needs, leading to more self-directed and autonomous behavior. To cultivate intrinsic motivation, educators, managers, and other practitioners can focus on supporting autonomy (e.g., providing choice and minimizing external constraints), competence (e.g., offering optimal challenges and constructive feedback), and relatedness (e.g., fostering a sense of belonging and meaningful connections). By creating environments that satisfy these basic needs, individuals are more likely to engage in activities out of genuine interest and enjoyment, rather than for external rewards or pressures, ultimately leading to more positive long-term outcomes.

Related terms

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity or behavior in order to obtain a reward or avoid punishment, rather than for the inherent satisfaction or enjoyment of the activity itself.

Self-Determination Theory:

A theory of motivation that emphasizes the importance of three basic psychological needs - autonomy, competence, and relatedness - in fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being.

Intrinsic Rewards: The internal feelings of satisfaction, enjoyment, and fulfillment that come from engaging in an activity for its own sake, rather than for external rewards or recognition.