Which Of The Following Exemplifies Extrinsically Motivated Behavior?
Extrinsic motivation is an operant conditioning form of behavior modification. Rewarding or punishing specific behaviors increases or decreases their likelihood of recurring. Extrinsic motivation comes from getting paid to do a job. You need a paycheck to pay your bills, so even though you’d rather spend your day doing something else, you must go to work. If you can afford your daily expenses, you’re extrinsically inspired. You get paid for working several hours a week.
Extrinsic motivation is only sometimes rewarded. A person can also accomplish this using abstract tips, such as praise and fame. When you are motivated by intrinsic forces, such as personal growth or success, you are driven to achieve your goals. Behaviors that require long-term execution are typically inspired by intrinsic motivation.
This article will explore which of the following exemplifies extrinsically motivated behavior and factors influencing extrinsic motivation.
Extrinsically Motivated Behavior
Behavior driven by external rewards or incentives is known as extrinsic motivation. A person engages in an activity primarily to achieve a desired outcome or avoid negative consequences. The following are some examples of extrinsically motivated behavior:
Studying for Grades:
Students often study diligently to achieve good grades rather than purely because they are interested in the topic. Their efforts are driven by the prospect of high marks.
Working for a Promotion:
There are many employees who strive for promotions at their workplace not only because they enjoy the work but also because they will gain more excellent status, responsibilities, and financial rewards.
The extrinsic motivator is the desire for a higher salary and better career prospects.
Participating in Competitions:
There are a variety of competitions among athletes, artists, and performers for prizes, recognition, and monetary rewards. The external benefits of winning motivate them rather than straightforward enjoyment.
Following Rules Due to Fear of Punishment:
People may follow laws and regulations because they fear the consequences of disobedience, such as fines, penalties, or even legal action, rather than because they believe in them intrinsically.
Completing Tasks for Praise:
It is common for some people to undertake specific tasks or projects to garner approval from others. The external acknowledgment of their actions motivates them, whether it is a compliment from a superior or social recognition within a community.
Engaging in Fundraising Activities:
The extrinsic motivation for individuals involved in charity work is achieving donation targets and making an impact, not personal gain.
Extrinsic motivation may be effective in changing behavior and achieving specific goals in the short term, but it may not last for long. It is often more fulfilling to engage in an activity that you are intrinsically motivated to engage in, as it stems from your genuine interest and enjoyment of it. Extrinsically motivated people work towards promotions, study for grades, compete for rewards, seek praise from others, follow rules to avoid punishment, and raise funds.
Factors Influencing Extrinsic Motivation
External rewards or consequences determine extrinsic motivation. Engaging in an activity or behavior for a specific outcome or compensation rather than for satisfaction or enjoyment is termed motivational driving. Here, we will explore critical factors influencing extrinsic motivation.
Rewards and Incentives:
Extrinsic motivation is often influenced by rewards and incentives. Among these are monetary bonuses, recognition, praise, promotions, and tangible gifts.
Motivated individuals are likelier to engage in the desired behavior when their efforts are rewarded or recognized.
Goal Setting:
Clear and attainable goals drive extrinsic motivation. When individuals have specific objectives and targets, they have something tangible to work toward. In many cases, rewarding or recognizing the achievement of these goals can be a powerful motivator.
Performance Feedback:
Extrinsic motivation levels can be significantly impacted by regular and constructive feedback. Acknowledging an individual’s accomplishments and areas for improvement motivates them to strive to achieve better results.
External Pressure:
External pressure from authority figures like managers, supervisors, or parents can also affect extrinsic motivation. If individuals lack intrinsic motivation to perform specific tasks, they may perform them out of fear of punishment or reprimand.
Social Comparisons:
Extrinsic motivation can also be affected by comparing oneself to others. People may feel compelled to engage in similar actions when they observe others receiving rewards or achieving success through similar behaviors.
Cultural Factors:
Extrinsic motivations are also influenced by cultural norms and values. Extrinsically motivated behaviors may result as individuals strive to meet societal expectations and gain external rewards in societies emphasizing material wealth, status, or competition.
Extrinsic motivation can be boosted by understanding these factors. You can create an environment that encourages desired behaviors by leveraging rewards, providing feedback, setting goals, and considering cultural influences.
Conclusion
All of these scenarios are primarily motivated by external factors or rewards. There is not necessarily an intrinsic motivation to engage in the activity, but rather a focus on what they can gain or avoid through their actions. Several situations, such as the workplace or education, can benefit from extrinsic motivation. Nonetheless, you must balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, which involves finding fulfillment, joy, or purpose in the task. When you balance work and play, you are more likely to engage in activities for the long haul and enjoy them more.
