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DISCUSSION Question A Alfred Hitchcock reputedly said, “When an actor comes to me and wants to discuss his character, I say, “It’s in the script.†If he says, “But what’s my motivation,†I say, “Your salary.†Discuss motivation based on extrinsic rewards in comparison to that motivated by intrinsic rewards. Are different types of motivations preferable for different tasks? Question B Social cognitive theory suggests that our beliefs and feelings influence our behavior. What beliefs (cognitive factors) might be related to the specific behavior of going to college?

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Motivation plays a fundamental role in influencing human behavior, particularly in the context of tasks such as work, education, and personal development. It can be broadly categorized into extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, each with distinct characteristics and implications for behavior. Understanding the differences between these types of motivation, as well as their applications to various tasks, provides valuable insights into how individuals pursue their goals and how environments can be structured to foster optimal motivation.

Extrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity primarily for external rewards or to avoid negative consequences. These rewards can include monetary compensation, grades, recognition, or social approval. For instance, a worker might put forth effort to earn a paycheck, and a student might study to obtain a high grade. Such motivation is driven by external factors that are separate from the activity itself. While extrinsic motivation can be effective in promoting short-term task engagement, particularly when tasks are repetitive or lack inherent interest, it may sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation if overused, leading to decreased creativity and long-term engagement (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, arises from internal factors, such as personal interest, enjoyment, or a sense of achievement. When individuals are intrinsically motivated, they engage in activities because they find them inherently satisfying or meaningful. For example, a student who studies biology because they find the subject fascinating demonstrates intrinsic motivation. Research indicates that intrinsic motivation is associated with higher levels of creativity, persistence, and overall satisfaction (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Activities driven by intrinsic motivation tend to produce better learning outcomes and greater personal fulfillment.

Different types of motivations may be preferable for different tasks. Tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, or long-term commitment often benefit from intrinsic motivation because individuals are more likely to exert effort willingly and persist despite challenges. Conversely, routine or obligatory tasks, such as performing administrative work or fulfilling contractual obligations, may be more effectively driven by extrinsic motivators, as external rewards can provide clear directions and immediate reinforcement (Grolnick & Ryan, 1987). Nonetheless, an optimal motivational environment often blends both intrinsic and extrinsic incentives, aligning external rewards with internal interests to sustain motivation over time.

The distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation also has implications in organizational and educational settings. For example, employers who foster a sense of purpose and autonomy can enhance employees’ intrinsic motivation, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction (Pink, 2009). Similarly, educators who create engaging learning experiences that tap into students’ interests can promote intrinsic motivation for academic success. Recognizing the different roles of motivation types allows practitioners to design strategies tailored to specific goals and contexts, ultimately enhancing performance and well-being.

In addition to motivational sources, the social cognitive theory emphasizes the role of beliefs and feelings in shaping behavior. According to Bandura (1986), self-efficacy—the belief in one’s capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments—is a crucial cognitive factor influencing actions, including the decision to attend college. A student with high self-efficacy believes they can succeed academically, which bolsters their motivation to enroll and persist in higher education. Conversely, low self-efficacy may foster doubts and avoidance behaviors, deterring college attendance.

Furthermore, outcome expectations, or beliefs about the consequences of one’s actions, also affect college-going behavior. Students who believe that attending college will lead to better job prospects, financial stability, or personal growth are more likely to pursue higher education. Intrinsic beliefs about the value of knowledge acquisition and personal development can further motivate college attendance. Additionally, social influences—such as family support, peer encouragement, and cultural norms—shape perceptions and expectations, ultimately impacting the decision-making process regarding higher education (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020).

In conclusion, motivation can be classified into extrinsic and intrinsic types, each with unique influences on behavior depending on task requirements. External rewards can be effective for routine or immediate tasks, while internal interest and enjoyment typically foster long-term engagement and creativity. Social cognitive factors like self-efficacy and outcome expectations also significantly influence behaviors such as attending college. By understanding these motivational and cognitive factors, educators, employers, and policymakers can better design environments that promote sustained engagement and achievement.

References

  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.
  • Grolnick, W. S., & Ryan, R. M. (1987). Internalization motives and their role in development. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(4), 890–906.
  • Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us. Riverhead Books.
  • Schunk, D. H., & DiBenedetto, M. K. (2020). Motivation and social cognitive theory. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 60, 101832.
  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54–67.