Which term describes motivation that occurs when a person engages in an activity for its own sake without external rewards?

Which term describes motivation that occurs when a person engages in an activity for its own sake without external rewards?

• A. Motivation driven by external rewards
• B. Motivation driven by external consequences
• C. Intrinsic motivation
• D. Motivation driven by personal interest

Answer: (C)

Engaging in an activity for its own sake, without external rewards, is intrinsic motivation. This drive comes from internal satisfaction—enjoyment, curiosity, or a sense of personal meaning—so the task itself becomes rewarding and motivates continued effort and persistence. In education and learning, intrinsic motivation leads to deeper engagement because the payoff is the activity and personal growth, not outside rewards like grades or prizes. The other options describe motivation tied to external incentives, which is extrinsic motivation, or merely express a related but less precise idea of personal interest; the defining feature of intrinsic motivation is the internal, self-sustained drive.

Engaging in an activity for its own sake, without external rewards, is intrinsic motivation. This drive comes from internal satisfaction—enjoyment, curiosity, or a sense of personal meaning—so the task itself becomes rewarding and motivates continued effort and persistence. In education and learning, intrinsic motivation leads to deeper engagement because the payoff is the activity and personal growth, not outside rewards like grades or prizes. The other options describe motivation tied to external incentives, which is extrinsic motivation, or merely express a related but less precise idea of personal interest; the defining feature of intrinsic motivation is the internal, self-sustained drive.