Which option best describes intrinsic motivation as defined?

• A. Extrinsic motivation
• B. Situational motivation
• C. Social motivation
• D. Intrinsic motivation is defined as internal source

Answer: (D)

Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s the drive to engage in an activity because you find it interesting, enjoyable, or personally satisfying, or because you want to master it for the sense of competence it gives you. When you study a topic simply because you’re curious or enjoy learning, the motivation is an internal source, not tied to external rewards. External rewards like grades, praise, or money fuel extrinsic motivation, which is the opposite of intrinsic. Terms such as situational or social motivation don’t capture the core idea as directly as describing motivation as coming from an internal source. For example, a student who works on a problem set because they’re curious about the solution is acting from intrinsic motivation.