Which of these is an example of extrinsic motivation ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4, "I complete my homework because the teacher gives us marks for each assignment," is an example of extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation refers to behavior that is driven by external rewards such as grades, praise, or money. In this case, the student is motivated to complete their homework because of the external reward of receiving marks from the teacher. This motivation is not derived from the enjoyment or satisfaction of the task itself but from the outcome or reward that follows the completion of the task.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. "I enjoy doing my homework because it is so much fun." - This statement reflects intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when an individual engages in an activity for its own sake, deriving pleasure and satisfaction from the activity itself. The enjoyment and fun derived from doing homework indicate that the motivation comes from within the individual, not from an external reward.

2. "I learn so much when I do my homework." - This option also represents intrinsic motivation. The motivation here is the personal satisfaction and knowledge gained from doing homework. The focus is on the internal reward of learning and understanding, rather than any external incentive.

3. "Doing homework makes me understand my concepts better." - Similar to the previous options, this statement is an example of intrinsic motivation. The motivation is driven by the internal benefit of gaining a better understanding of concepts, which is a personal and internal reward, not an external one.

In summary, Option 4 is the correct answer because it clearly illustrates extrinsic motivation, where the behavior (completing homework) is driven by the external reward (marks given by the teacher). The other options reflect intrinsic motivation, where the motivation comes from internal satisfaction and personal growth.