Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

Introduction

Almost all behavior is motivated by something. Nevertheless, not all motivators are equal and not all motivators come from the same place. Sometimes you do things because you have to, like drive on the correct side of the road, wait in line patiently, or pay for purchases. At other times, you do things because you want to, like drive over the speed limit, sing a song, or buy a pair of outrageously-priced shoes. Yet, some individuals have other motivators. For example, they may do things for the greater good to elicit social change, like Mother Teresa’s work with the poor or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work for equality. What is this type of motivation and where does it originate?

This week, you explore intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Readings

• Article: Çınar, O., Bektaş, Ç., & Aslan, I. (2011). A motivation study on the effectiveness of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Economics & Management, 16, 690–695.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Business Source Complete database.
• Article: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Facilitating optimal motivation and psychological well-being across life’s domains. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 49(1), 14–23.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Academic Search Complete database.

• Article: Reiss, S. (2004). Multifaceted nature of intrinsic motivation: The theory of 16 basic desires. Review of General Psychology, 8(3), 179–193.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the PsycARTICLES database.

Intrinsic motivation is motivation that stems from interest in an activity or joy, pleasure, or fulfillment inherent in a task. Extrinsic motivation stems from outside pressure that may come in the form of rewards, incentives, competition, or punishment. For instance, you might be intrinsically motivated to read a journal article on a topic about which you are interested. You might also be extrinsically motivated to read a journal article because you have to for a class or a job. For any given action, an individual’s motivating factor may be avoidance of unpleasant consequences. Other times, it may be for desire for reward. And still other times, an individual may be motivated into unpleasant consequences believing the end result will be positive.

To prepare for this Discussion, think of a situation in which you were intrinsically motivated and a situation in which you were extrinsically motivated. Then, consider whether it is possible for an individual to be entirely intrinsically or extrinsically motivated.

Post by Day 4 a description of a situation in which you were primarily intrinsically motivated and a situation in which you were primarily extrinsically motivated. Explain whether it is possible for an individual to be entirely intrinsically or extrinsically motivated and why.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.