Intrinsic Motivation Interactive Activity

True or false?

Internal rewards, like personal satisfaction or enjoyment, drive intrinsic motivation

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Fun Fact:

Studies have shown that offering rewards for tasks people already enjoy can reduce their intrinsic motivation. This phenomenon is called the "over-justification effect." So, getting paid to do something fun might make it feel less enjoyable over time.

 Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children’s intrinsic interest with extrinsic rewards: A test of the “overjustification” hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28(1), 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0035519

    2.    Deci, E. L. (1971). Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0030644

True or false?

Money and praise are examples of intrinsic motivators

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Money and praise are external rewards. Therefore, it is not intrinsic motivation.

True or false?

A person who practices their sport during the off-season because they enjoy expanding their talent is an example of intrinsic motivation

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The individual is intrinsically motivated because they practice on their own time for personal enjoyment and growth!

True or false?

Intrinsic motivation often decreases when people feel they have no autonomy

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Autonomy is feeling in control of your own choices. This relates back to the Self-Determination Theory slide, where Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness are the three psychological needs that enhance intrinsic motivation and help it thrive!

What are the three Psychological needs that help intrinsic motivation thrive?

• Competence, Autonomy, Relatedness
• Recognition, Affection, Success
• Power, Control, Trust
• Security, Freedom, Acceptance

True or False?

Intrinsic motivation is usually more sustainable in the long term than extrinsic motivation

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Intrinsic motivation is usually more sustainable because it stems from genuine interest, enjoyment, or personal value, which encourages long-term engagement and persistence. In contrast, extrinsic motivation relies on external rewards that can lose their effectiveness once removed.