Intrinsic Motivation: How Internal Rewards Drive Behavior

Definition and Concept

• Intrinsic Motivation: Engaging in behaviors for inherent satisfaction rather than external rewards or specific outcomes.
• Occurs without obvious external rewards; activities are enjoyable, exploratory, and help actualize potentials.
• Key Elements:
  • Autonomy: Acting independently.
  • Purpose: Feeling efforts matter.
  • Mastery: Gaining satisfaction from skill improvement.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

• Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by internal satisfaction and enjoyment.
• Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by external rewards or to avoid punishment.

Examples

• Intrinsic Motivation: Reading for interest in psychology.
• Extrinsic Motivation: Reading to avoid a bad grade.

How Intrinsic Motivation Works

• Engaging in activities purely for enjoyment (e.g., gardening, painting, playing games).
• Driven by internal satisfaction, not external rewards.
• Rewards from intrinsic motivation include positive emotions and a sense of meaning, progress, or competence.

Impact of Extrinsic Reinforcement

• Overjustification Effect: External rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation.
• Intrinsic enjoyment may suffice for behavior, but added external reinforcement can alter perceived motivation.
• Quality of work in professional settings is influenced by intrinsic factors.

Intrinsic Motivation in Various Spheres

• Education: Creating learning environments that are inherently rewarding.
• Personal Pursuits: Engaging in activities for personal satisfaction (e.g., sports, gardening, self-expression).

Factors Influencing Intrinsic Motivation

• Challenge: Pursuing personally meaningful and challenging goals.
• Control: Autonomy over actions and environments.
• Cooperation and Competition: Satisfaction from helping others and comparing performance.
• Curiosity: Stimulated by sensory and cognitive curiosity.
• Recognition: Enjoyment from acknowledgment by others.

Potential Pitfalls

• Unnecessary external rewards can decrease intrinsic motivation.
• The significance of the event can influence motivation.
• Rewards may be seen as confirmation of competence or as coercion depending on individual perception.

Summary

• Intrinsic motivation is crucial for a balanced life.
• Balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can lead to more fulfilling experiences.