Understanding Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

In the realm of psychological theories, motivation is often divided into two categories: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in behavior because it is personally rewarding, while extrinsic motivation involves performing an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment. Understanding these types of motivation can help in assessing why individuals pursue certain goals over others.

For example, consider a student who participates in a volunteer project. This student enjoys helping others and feels fulfilled when contributing to the community. In contrast, another student might join the same project solely for the resume boost or to meet a requirement. Reflect on these dynamics as you answer the following question.