Introduction
Motivation explains why an individual does something; hence it is the underlying factor behind human behaviors. Motivation refers to the process that originates, guides, and sustains goal-directed actions. Different forms of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic, have been extensively investigated, and the contrast between them has significantly influenced developmental and educational processes. Therefore, grasping and comprehending these two types of motivation is crucial since they are essential to one’s daily life.
Extrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation refers to motivational factors external to the individual. Extrinsic motivation may originate from positive input, such as an incentive, or negative reinforcement, like punishment, based on the scenario (Villines). What motivates individuals extrinsically depends on their interests, needs, and values. For instance, a student who does not worry about their academic achievement will not find the possibility of receiving a poor mark to be an effective source of extrinsic motivation. Decades of study have shown that intrinsic motivation is often preferable to extrinsic motivation (Li). When individuals are extrinsically driven, their engagement, tenacity, and inventiveness are often of lower quality. Extrinsic motivation may conflict with intrinsic drive and may be inferior when influencing others. Despite the shortcomings, extrinsic motivation remains significant, particularly in educational and professional environments. Not everyone enjoys every activity, and not everybody can be enthusiastic about the same subject. In the lack of intrinsic drive, people thus depend on the extrinsic incentive to complete the task.
Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation means the act of doing a task without apparent external incentives. One does things because it is fun and engaging rather than in response to external incentives or demands, such as prizes or deadlines (Villines). Generally, intrinsic motivation is engaging in a task for its own sake, as opposed to pursuing an external reward or in response to external pressure. Extrinsic motivation is much more about financial rewards, prestige, and public acknowledgment, but intrinsic motivation is based on personal development, a feeling of responsibility, and the realization of purpose. For example, a child may diligently do their schoolwork if they believe it will aid them in getting the career they desire as an adult. In this instance, the behavior is inwardly motivated, and the child completes their schoolwork, not for its purpose but because they believe it will contribute to obtaining a decent career.
Each individual is unique; therefore, our motivations and perceptions of incentives also vary. Some individuals are naturally driven by tasks, whilst others are motivated by external factors. While both intrinsic and extrinsic incentives may be beneficial, most believe that extrinsic incentives should be utilized less to reduce the over-justification effects. This concept relates to the discovery that providing excessive external incentives for an activity that is already intrinsically motivating might lead to a decrease in an intrinsic drive (Barr). However, this does not imply that the effects of extrinsic incentives are always bad. In fact, it may be advantageous in some circumstances, such as when someone must accomplish an unpleasant task. Extrinsic motivational elements may be effective when employed carefully, but excessive incentives can be detrimental.
Conclusion
Intrinsic motivation indicates that a person’s drive to do a task originates from within and does not need external rewards or punishments to be prompted. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, refers to motivational forces that are external to the individual. There are advantages to both forms of motivation, with each having its own consequences on behavior and how individuals choose to pursue their objectives.
Works Cited
Barr, Emily. “Extrinsic & Intrinsic Motivation Examples – What’s the Difference?” SpriggHR, SpriggHR Inc, Web.
Li, Pamela. “Extrinsic Motivation: How Many Different Types Are There? (Examples).” Parenting for Brain, Web.
Villines, Zawn. “What to Know about Extrinsic Motivation.” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, Web.