In the realm of motivational psychology, a variety of theories explain what drives individuals to act in certain ways. One such framework is Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory, which posits that motivation lies on a continuum between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in a behavior for its own sake, while extrinsic motivation involves performing an activity to achieve an outcome separate from the behavior itself. Understanding these distinctions is essential not only for academic purposes but also for real-world applications in educational and occupational settings.
Given that intrinsic motivation has been shown to enhance creativity and persistence compared to extrinsic motivation, which statement best aligns with the key tenets of Self-Determination Theory?