What is Intrinsic Motivation?

 

Intrinsic motivation is the behavior that is motivated by the internal reward.  It means that the motivation to employ a specific behavior is due to the inherent reward.  It contrasts with extrinsic motivation, where the inspiration to engage in a particular behavior is to avoid punishment or receive an external reward. 

 

An Overview of Intrinsic Motivation and Reward

 

Experts have realized that offering reinforcement or external rewards for an intrinsically rewarding exercise will be less motivating.  It is a process known as the overjustification effect.  Experts are also saying that people tend to be more creative during intrinsic motivation.    In a typical working environment, the worker's productivity can be enhanced using extrinsic rewards as a bonus.  However, the quality of the work conducted is highly influenced by various intrinsic motivations.  If you find a challenging, engaging, and rewarding activity, there is a high possibility of creating creative ideas and solutions.

 

Intrinsic Motivation on Education

 

Intrinsic Motivation is also an essential topic in education since the educators are in constant effort to develop an environment that offers an intrinsic reward.  Sadly, the conventional paradigms are stating that the students are finding the educational environment dull, which means that they should be extrinsically motivated.  A particular activity can be intrinsically motivating if people engage in it because of the activity itself and do not avoid external punishment or gain external reward.

 

Some factors that may affect an intrinsically motivating activity are as follows.

 

·         Recognition- people's internal motivation can be derived through the recognition that they will achieve after successfully completing the activity.   People love to be recognized by others through their accomplishments; this highly increases individuals' intrinsic motivation.

 

·         Competition and Cooperation- It is also highlighted in instances where people are helping others and competing with others.  During this instance, they will be able to compare their performance to the others.

 

·         Control- Most people want total control of the environment and themselves, and they want to identify the things they want to pursue.

 

·         Curiosity- intrinsic motivation is also enhanced when a physical element from the environment catches an individual's attention.  It is known as sensory curiosity.  Activity is also considered intrinsically motivating when it motivates a person to learn more things.  It is referred to as cognitive curiosity.

 

·         Challenge- Individuals will also be intrinsically motivated when they chase a more personal goal, especially when a goal is related to their self-esteem. During these instances, feedback is easily accessible and available.  This concept is also evident when the plan can be attained, but the possibility is not that certain.

 

Offering extrinsic rewards may improve performance, interest, and motivation, but it also comes with unnecessary costs.   Intrinsic motivation opens the opportunity to develop creative solutions and ideas without unexpected risk.  The significance of the event and the salience may also play an essential factor in the effectiveness of intrinsic rewards.