Table of contents
Motivation is the impulse that moves people to develop different tasks or activities. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are two types of motivation that are complementary and different from each other.
- Intrinsic motivation. It starts from within the person, is voluntary and does not require an external incentive. This type of motivation seeks self-realization and personal development. The mere execution of the task is the reward. For example: a hobby, community help.
- Extrinsic motivation. It comes from outside, and arises when a reward, prize or approval is offered for the performance of a task or activity. For example: work for pay, study for a degree.
Motivations appear in all areas in which the person develops a task or activity. They can be at work, at school, losing weight, playing tennis.
Both types of motivation can be presented in a positive or negative way; the goal is to understand them as a whole and try to satisfy them.
Self-determination theory
Motivation types were specified by the self-determination theory developed by psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard Ryan.
His goal was to understand what kind of motivation guided people in different areas: educational, work, recreation, sports.
They discovered that social and environmental factors help or hinder intrinsic motivations, and that man has three basic psychological needs, which are the basis of self-motivation:
- Competition. Master the tasks, develop different skills.
- Relationship. Interact with our peers and the environment.
- Autonomy. To be causal agents of our own life.
The self-determination theory gave way to sub-theories that developed specific aspects that emerged from the study of motivation.
1. Characteristics of a person with intrinsic motivation
- Enjoy the process more than the end result.
- It does not disappear after having reached the objective, and has the peculiarity of being more cooperative and less competitive.
- Accept failure as part of the process to reach the goal.
2. Characteristics of a person with extrinsic motivation
- Pursue goal fulfillment to gain another person's approval.
- It can be a bridge to intrinsic motivation.
- External rewards may elicit interest in participating in something in which the individual had no initial interest.
Examples of a person with intrinsic motivation
- Practice a hobby.
- Learn without looking for a grade for said activity.
- Help a person to cross the street.
- Attend a dining room to serve dinner or lunch.
- Donate clothes for homeless people.
- Improve knowledge about something
- Go to work because we enjoy our work.
Examples of a person with extrinsic motivation
- Work for money.
- Extra rewards for additional hours of work.
- Study to get a grade.
- Achieve a specific goal at work to receive gifts or rewards.
- Change jobs for the motivation of tangible benefits and not for the task itself.
- Pass an exam to receive a gift from our parents.
- Seek recognition from someone for our work.
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