Which Of The Following Exemplifies Extrinsically Motivated Behavior

Extrinsic motivation refers to the behavior that is driven by external factors, such as rewards or punishments. In this type of motivation, individuals engage in an activity not because they find it enjoyable or fulfilling, but rather because they are seeking some sort of external reward or outcome. In this essay, we will explore what extrinsic motivation is and provide an example of a behavior that exemplifies it.

 

Extrinsic motivation is one of the two main types of motivation, the other being intrinsic motivation. Unlike intrinsic motivation, which refers to engaging in an activity because it is inherently enjoyable or fulfilling, extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors. These external factors can be tangible, such as money, rewards, or recognition, or intangible, such as praise, status, or social approval.

 

 

Extrinsic motivation can be effective in driving behavior, particularly in situations where individuals may not be intrinsically motivated to engage in a particular activity. For example, an employee may be extrinsically motivated to complete a task because they know that they will receive a bonus for doing so, even if they do not find the task particularly enjoyable or fulfilling.

 

 

However, there are also downsides to extrinsic motivation. For example, when individuals are solely motivated by external factors, they may be less likely to engage in the activity when the external reward is removed. Additionally, extrinsic motivation may lead to a focus on the reward rather than the activity itself, which can reduce the quality of the work being produced.

 

One example of a behavior that exemplifies extrinsic motivation is studying for a test to get a good grade. While some individuals may enjoy learning and find studying for a test inherently fulfilling, others may not. For those who do not enjoy studying, extrinsic motivation can be a powerful tool to encourage them to engage in the activity.

 

 

In this example, the external reward is the good grade. The individual may not find the material interesting or enjoyable, but they are motivated to study because they know that doing so will result in a positive outcome. This outcome may be important for a number of reasons. For example, the individual may want to get into a good college, and a good grade on the test is necessary to achieve that goal.

 

 

While extrinsic motivation can be effective in encouraging individuals to engage in an activity, there are also potential downsides. For example, if the individual is solely motivated by the desire to get a good grade, they may not retain the material beyond the test. Additionally, if the external reward is removed, the individual may be less likely to continue engaging in the activity.

 

Extrinsic motivation can be a powerful tool to encourage behavior, particularly when individuals are not intrinsically motivated to engage in an activity. However, it is important to be aware of the potential downsides of extrinsic motivation, including a reduced focus on the activity itself and a decreased likelihood of continuing the behavior once the external reward is removed. By understanding both the benefits and drawbacks of extrinsic motivation, individuals and organizations can use this type of motivation effectively to drive behavior and achieve their goals.