Motivational Patterns
The Three Main Motivational Patterns of Self Determination
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is all about doing something because it's personally rewarding to you, instead of for some external reward or pressure. It's when you engage in an activity just for the enjoyment and satisfaction you get from it, not because you are expecting a prize or trying to avoid a consequence. Like when you're playing a game because it's fun, or learning a new skill because you're interested in it. Your inner curiosity and passion are driving you, and that's pretty powerful stuff! This is truly the best kind of motivation because it comes from within and it pushes you toward success!
Example: A student does an assignment because its about history, and they love history.
Extrinsic Motivation
Now, Extrinsic motivation is when you're driven by external factors, like rewards or punishments. It's when you do something to get a specific outcome or avoid a negative consequence. For example, studying for a test because you want to get a good grade or doing chores to earn an allowances. The motivation comes from outside of you, rather than from within. It's like having an extra push to get things done.
Example: A student does an assignment only because they will get candy at the end of class.
Amotivation
Amotivation is when someone lacks the intent to act due to not valuing the activity, not feeling competent, or not expecting that it will yield a desired outcome. It's like not having the internal drive deeper into how it affects motivation overall.
Example: A student does not complete an assignment because they see no benefit in doing so.
Extrinsic Motivation Has Four Subcategories That Guide students to Intrinsic Motivation
External Regulation
Doing or participating in an activity for the possibility of a reward.
Example: "I'm only doing this assignment on cell structure because I want to go on the field trip"
Introjection
Doing or participating in an activity to maintain self-image or to avoid feeling guilty.
Example: "If I don't do the cell assignment the teacher will be disappointed"
Identification
Identifying that the activity has long-term importance.
Example: "I will do the cell structure project because it is important to my overall knowledge and grade."
Integration
Doing or participating in an activity for pure enjoyment or passion for the material.
Example: "I am very passionate and interested in the scientific structure of a cell"
Intrinsic Motivation
Students move through these four subcategories when the task they are assigned does not intrinsically motivate them. These steps help students move into applying more internal motivation to the assigned work.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25, 54-67