Which of following exemplifies extrinsically motivated behavior

Which Of The Following Exemplifies Extrinsically Motivated Behavior?

A) A student reads a book because they genuinely enjoy the story

B) An employee works overtime to receive a bonus

C) A musician practices daily because they love mastering difficult pieces

D) A person volunteers at a shelter because they feel fulfilled helping others

Correct Answer: B)

An employee works overtime to receive a bonus

Explanation

Extrinsically motivated behaviour refers to those where the motivation comes from an external benefit. It could be money, fame, or some other benefits. It could even be there to avoid punishments. Out of all the given options, only option B, where the employee is getting a bonus considered an example of this situation.

Enjoying this? There's more where that came from! Explore our full range of academic writing services designed just for you—because great work deserves the perfect partner. Flip the page and let’s make it happen!

Assignment Help Dissertation Help Homework Help Essay Writing Coursework Help

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A) Intrinsically motivated — the student enjoys the story for personal interest.
C) Intrinsically motivated — driven by love for music and skill improvement.
D) Intrinsically motivated — feels fulfilled, which is an internal reward.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Comparison Table

Feature	Intrinsic Motivation	Extrinsic Motivation
Definition	Motivation driven by internal rewards like interest or joy	Motivation driven by external rewards like money or praise
Goal	Personal satisfaction, growth, and mastery	Tangible reward, recognition, or avoiding punishment
Examples	Reading for fun, painting because you enjoy it	Studying for grades, working for a paycheck
Long-term sustainability	More sustainable and self-reinforcing	It can fade once the reward or pressure is removed
Impact on creativity	Often enhances creativity and engagement	Can reduce creativity if overused
When it's most effective	Best for deep learning, personal projects	Useful for short-term goals or routine tasks
Example in education	Solving a puzzle because it’s fun	Participating in class to earn extra credit

Faq’s

Q1: How can I tell whether I'm motivated intrinsically or extrinsically?

A: Understanding whether you are motivated intrinsically or extrinsically is easy. Simply ask yourself why you are doing something. If it's for some materialistic benefit or to make others like you, then it's extrinsic. If you are doing it simply because of your own feelings, then it's an intrinsically motivated behaviour.

Q2: Can someone start off with extrinsic motivation and later become intrinsically motivated?

A: Yes! A student may join a sports team for extra grades, but genuinely start enjoying it. In such situations, it becomes an intrinsic motivation.

Q3: Are all rewards harmful to motivation?

A: Not necessarily. Small rewards can boost motivation, but if overused, they may reduce a person’s interest in the activity itself. It's called the overjustification effect.

Q4: What kind of classroom strategies promote intrinsic motivation?

A: Giving students choice, encouraging curiosity, and focusing on progress over performance can help build intrinsic motivation.

Q5: Why is extrinsic motivation common in workplaces?

A: Because many work tasks are structured around outcomes, not enjoyment. Bonuses, promotions, and performance targets are powerful external drivers. As such, the workplace itself pushes for better results through such extrinsic motivations.