What is external motivation?

What is external motivation?

• A. Motivation driven by rewards or punishments (money, bonuses)
• B. Motivation driven by personal satisfaction
• C. Motivation driven by responsibility
• D. Motivation driven by curiosity

Answer: (A)

External motivation is motivation that comes from outside sources, driven by rewards or punishments. When a person works toward a goal because they’ll receive money, bonuses, praise, or to avoid penalties, the incentive is external to the task itself. This is different from internal motives, where the action is driven by personal satisfaction, a sense of responsibility, or curiosity. The option that describes motivation linked to rewards or punishments aligns with this external source, making it the best choice. The other factors—personal satisfaction, responsibility, and curiosity—are typically internal drivers of motivation.

External motivation is motivation that comes from outside sources, driven by rewards or punishments. When a person works toward a goal because they’ll receive money, bonuses, praise, or to avoid penalties, the incentive is external to the task itself. This is different from internal motives, where the action is driven by personal satisfaction, a sense of responsibility, or curiosity. The option that describes motivation linked to rewards or punishments aligns with this external source, making it the best choice. The other factors—personal satisfaction, responsibility, and curiosity—are typically internal drivers of motivation.