Reinforcement 101 Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation lies in their sources. Intrinsic motivation originates from within an individual, driven by personal satisfaction, interest, or the joy of engaging in a task for its own sake. For example, a student who reads purely for enjoyment, or a musician who plays an instrument for personal fulfillment, is intrinsically motivated. This type of motivation tends to lead to deeper engagement and longer-lasting persistence in tasks.

On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is fueled by external rewards or pressures. This includes factors such as grades, money, praise, or any tangible rewards that one might receive for completing a task or behaving in a certain way. An example would be a person working overtime solely to receive a bonus or a student completing homework just to earn a grade.

Understanding this distinction is essential, as it helps in recognizing how different motivational types can influence behaviors and learning processes. Intrinsic motivation is often considered more beneficial for long-term engagement and creativity, while extrinsic rewards can be effective for encouraging specific behaviors in the short term.