Intrinsic Motivation vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Which is Best?

Summary

This video explores the key differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how understanding them can enhance both personal productivity and instructional design. Devlin Peck explains that extrinsic motivation involves external rewards or avoiding punishment, while intrinsic motivation comes from the inherent enjoyment of an activity. He highlights how both types can coexist, with extrinsic rewards sometimes sparking intrinsic interest. The video also covers risks like the over-justification effect, research insights from West Point, and practical strategies to foster motivation, including presenting challenges, encouraging cooperation, sparking curiosity, and using praise effectively. The ARCS model is suggested as a practical tool for designing motivating learning experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Motivation refers to a person's willingness to engage in a specific activity or behavior, driven by either internal or external factors.
• 😀 Extrinsic motivation is when actions are driven by external rewards or to avoid punishment, such as completing tasks to prevent job loss or getting a paycheck.
• 😀 Intrinsic motivation comes from within, where actions are taken because they are enjoyable or personally satisfying, such as biking for pleasure or reading fiction for enjoyment.
• 😀 Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation have their place, and it's common for activities to involve a combination of both types of motivation.
• 😀 Intrinsic motivation is more sustainable over time because it doesn't rely on continuous external rewards, unlike extrinsic motivation, which can fade when rewards stop.
• 😀 Extrinsic motivation can help spark intrinsic motivation, especially for tasks that individuals are initially uninterested in, by encouraging them to try something they might eventually enjoy.
• 😀 Excessive extrinsic rewards can lead to the over-justification effect, where individuals start focusing more on the rewards and less on the satisfaction of the activity itself, potentially decreasing intrinsic motivation.
• 😀 Research shows that individuals who are primarily intrinsically motivated are more likely to succeed in long-term, challenging goals, as seen in the West Point study with cadets.
• 😀 Fostering intrinsic motivation in learning or work environments can be achieved by presenting challenges with uncertain outcomes, encouraging cooperation, and sparking curiosity.
• 😀 The ARCS Model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) is a practical framework for instructional designers to apply motivation principles in their designs for better engagement.

Q & A

What is motivation according to the video script?

Motivation is defined as a person's willingness to move or act, essentially the willingness to engage in a specific activity, and it can also refer to the reasons why we engage in specific behaviors.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or avoiding punishment, while intrinsic motivation comes from internal satisfaction or enjoyment derived from the activity itself.

Can you provide examples of extrinsic motivation?

Examples include completing a mandatory e-learning course to avoid losing a job, doing a class assignment to avoid failing, working at a job solely for a paycheck, and receiving praise or financial rewards from others.

Can you provide examples of intrinsic motivation?

Examples include recording YouTube videos for personal satisfaction, going on bike rides for enjoyment, and reading fiction or non-fiction books for the pleasure of learning.

Is one type of motivation better than the other?

No, both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation have their place. Often, activities involve a combination of both, but intrinsic motivation is generally more sustainable over the long term.

How can extrinsic motivation influence intrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation can spark intrinsic motivation by encouraging engagement in a new activity. Over time, the person may begin to enjoy the activity itself, but excessive extrinsic rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation through the over-justification effect.

What is the over-justification effect?

The over-justification effect occurs when excessive external rewards for an activity cause a person to attribute their motivation to the reward rather than their own enjoyment, which can decrease intrinsic motivation.

What strategies can instructional designers use to foster intrinsic motivation?

Strategies include presenting challenges with uncertain outcomes, providing opportunities to cooperate and help others, offering opportunities to compete, sparking curiosity, and using praise or recognition strategically.

What did the West Point study reveal about motivation?

The study found that cadets with primarily internal (intrinsic) motives were about 20% more likely to complete West Point successfully. Being primarily focused on external rewards may lead to higher failure rates.

What is the ARCS model mentioned in the video?

The ARCS model, developed by John Keller, is a practical framework for designing learning experiences that foster motivation. ARCS stands for Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction.

Why is intrinsic motivation considered more sustainable than extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal satisfaction and enjoyment, so it does not rely on continuous external rewards. In contrast, extrinsic motivation depends on ongoing rewards or avoidance of punishment to maintain engagement.

How can praise be used effectively in learning experiences?

Praise should be given strategically for effort and progress rather than solely for achievement. When used correctly, it can enhance intrinsic motivation without making learners dependent on external rewards.