Extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or the desire to avoid punishment. It occurs when a person engages in an activity to earn a reward or recognition that is not inherently linked to the activity itself. The motivation comes from outside the individual rather than from within. For instance, imagine a student who studies hard not because they enjoy the subject, but because they want to earn high grades and receive praise from their parents and teachers. The motivation here is the external reward (good grades and praise), not the learning process itself.

Extrinsic motivation is effective in prompting people to complete tasks they might not find intrinsically rewarding. However, relying solely on extrinsic motivators can sometimes lead to a lack of deeper engagement and satisfaction. Balancing extrinsic and intrinsic motivation can lead to more sustainable and fulfilling outcomes.