What is extrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive and desire to engage in a behavior or activity that is primarily influenced by external factors or rewards. This can include incentives such as money, praise, recognition, or any tangible rewards that are provided in response to a specific action or goal. When individuals are motivated extrinsically, they engage in tasks not solely for their inherent enjoyment or satisfaction but because they are looking forward to the benefit that comes from completing the task or achieving a specific outcome.

In this context, while personal growth and internal satisfaction are important aspects of motivation, they align more closely with intrinsic motivation, which is driven by internal desires rather than external rewards. Similarly, while competition with peers can inspire action, it generally reflects a social comparison and may not always involve clear, defined rewards. The essence of extrinsic motivation is significantly rooted in the anticipation of external rewards, making this the correct choice in understanding the concept.