Comparing and Contrasting Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Comparing and Contrasting Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Foundations of Online Learning
American Public University
Motivation is reason to an action. People act for incentive, and their motive comes from wants, dreams, and goals; it comes from an intended incentive. Motivation is both internal and external. Intrinsic motivation births from interest, enjoyment, and curiosity. Intrinsic motivation approachs naturally, therefore having little reason to understand or explore internal drive. External motivation comes from the world; like money, grades, competition, and even punishment/ accountability. Motivation is a direct link to all action. Humans are equally motivated, either negative or positive, motivation equals drive. Fear and anxiety can motivate one to avoid learning or trying new things. If one can step back and see what motivates them to achieve a goal, they can channel that drive and overcome negative motivation. Needs are the starting point of motivation theory, and psychological drive and consummatory behavior serves as channels for all sorts of needs. Intrinsic motivation gives purpose to interest. Internal drive comes solely from the satisfaction of learning and having fun, therefore there is no external inducement. Imagined states of affairs act as a goal, and motivate action. (Mook, 2004) One can imagine the accomplishment of a goal in the future, keeping it readily at the fronts of our mind, evoking steps to be taken to accomplish that goal. Self-actualization, esteem, love, safety, knowledge, and aesthetics are all needs that intrinsically motivate. (Maslow, 1970) Engaging in activities to enhance ones self-concept has been linked to instinctual behavior. (Maslow, 1970) The fulfillment theory, proposed by Maslow and Rogers, suggests that man has instinctive urges that influence and motivate behavior. (Maslow, 1970) Other theories such as the sociobiology theory imply that preference and
Foundations of Online Learning
American Public University
Motivation is reason to an action. People act for incentive, and their motive comes from wants, dreams, and goals; it comes from an intended incentive. Motivation is both internal and external. Intrinsic motivation births from interest, enjoyment, and curiosity. Intrinsic motivation approachs naturally, therefore having little reason to understand or explore internal drive. External motivation comes from the world; like money, grades, competition, and even punishment/ accountability. Motivation is a direct link to all action. Humans are equally motivated, either negative or positive, motivation equals drive. Fear and anxiety can motivate one to avoid learning or trying new things. If one can step back and see what motivates them to achieve a goal, they can channel that drive and overcome negative motivation. Needs are the starting point of motivation theory, and psychological drive and consummatory behavior serves as channels for all sorts of needs. Intrinsic motivation gives purpose to interest. Internal drive comes solely from the satisfaction of learning and having fun, therefore there is no external inducement. Imagined states of affairs act as a goal, and motivate action. (Mook, 2004) One can imagine the accomplishment of a goal in the future, keeping it readily at the fronts of our mind, evoking steps to be taken to accomplish that goal. Self-actualization, esteem, love, safety, knowledge, and aesthetics are all needs that intrinsically motivate. (Maslow, 1970) Engaging in activities to enhance ones self-concept has been linked to instinctual behavior. (Maslow, 1970) The fulfillment theory, proposed by Maslow and Rogers, suggests that man has instinctive urges that influence and motivate behavior. (Maslow, 1970) Other theories such as the sociobiology theory imply that preference and
References: Grabmeier, J. (2005). Intrinsic motivation does. Retrieved from http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/inmotiv.htm Mook, D. G. (2004). Classic experiments in psychology. London: Greenwood Pub Group. Maslow, A. H. (1970). Motivation and personality. (3 Ed.). New York, NY: Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. Analytic Technologies. (2010, November 26). Motivation. Retrieved from http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/motivation.htm