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Explanation
Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are two distinct types of motivation that drive people to engage in activities or pursue goals.
1. Intrinsic Motivation:
- Definition: Intrinsic motivation refers to being motivated by internal factors, such as personal enjoyment, satisfaction, or a sense of accomplishment derived from performing an activity or achieving a goal.
- Source: It arises from within an individual, driven by their inherent interests, curiosity, or a genuine passion for the task or goal.
- Examples: Someone who loves painting because they find it creatively fulfilling or a person who enjoys solving puzzles purely for the mental challenge is intrinsically motivated.
2. Extrinsic Motivation:
- Definition: Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves being motivated by external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or avoiding punishment, rather than the inherent enjoyment of the activity or goal.
- Source: It comes from external sources, like money, grades, praise, or the fear of negative consequences.
- Examples : Students studying hard to get good grades, employees working diligently to earn a bonus, or individuals exercising to lose weight for a reward are extrinsically motivated.
Key Differences:
- Source of Motivation: Intrinsic motivation stems from personal interest and internal satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation relies on external incentives and rewards.
- Longevity: Intrinsic motivation tends to be more sustainable over the long term because it’s driven by genuine interest and passion. Extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short term but may wane once the external rewards are removed.
- Autonomy: Intrinsic motivation often provides a greater sense of autonomy and selfdetermination, as individuals engage in activities because they want to. Extrinsic motivation may involve a degree of control from external forces.
- Quality of Engagement: Activities driven by intrinsic motivation are usually associated with a higher quality of engagement, creativity, and enjoyment. Extrinsic motivation may lead to task completion but may not foster the same level of enthusiasm or creativity.
- Examples: Intrinsic motivation is evident when someone does something for the sheer joy of it, while extrinsic motivation is at play when external rewards or pressures influence behaviour.
It’s important to note that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can coexist in various situations, and individuals may be motivated by a combination of these factors. The balance between them can vary depending on the context and the individual’s personal preferences and values.