Question

I help an elderly person cross the street because doing a good deed makes me feel good. What type of motivation is at work here? What type of motivation would be at work if I were to help an elderly man across the street become he paid me \(\$ 20 ?\)

Short answer

In the first situation, intrinsic motivation is at work since the joy derived from doing a good deed provides internal satisfaction. In the second situation, because compensation is the driving factor, it's governed by extrinsic motivation.

Step-by-step solution

Define concepts

Intrinsic motivation refers to behavior that is driven by internal rewards. In other words, the motivation comes from within the individual rather than from any external or outside rewards, like money. Extrinsic motivation refers to behavior that is driven by external rewards such as money, fame, or praise.

Apply concepts to the first situation

When one helps an elderly person cross the street due to the feeling of satisfaction, that's an internal reward and is therefore a case of intrinsic motivation.

Apply concepts to the second situation

In the second situation, helping the elderly person is driven by the external reward, which is the money. This would constitute a case of extrinsic motivation.

Key concepts

Intrinsic Motivation

Imagine doing something just for the sheer joy of it. Whether it's painting a picture, solving a complex puzzle, or lending a hand to someone in need without expecting anything in return, these actions are energized by the internal gratification they provide. This is intrinsic motivation at its core; it's about engaging in an activity because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable.

It comes naturally and emanates from within the person. For example, the scenario from the exercise where a person helps an elderly cross the street to experience the internal reward of a 'good deed feeling', falls perfectly under intrinsic motivation. Such actions aren't fueled by the promise of a reward or the fear of a penalty; they're done simply because they feel right. This type of motivation is often linked to higher levels of satisfaction and well-being, as well as the development of skills and knowledge.

Extrinsic Motivation

Contrastingly, extrinsic motivation is all about doing something because of the dual promise of gaining a specific benefit or avoiding a particular punishment.

Taking the second part of our exercise, if someone assists an elderly person across the street for a payment of $20, their action is driven by an external reward - the financial incentive. Extrinsic factors can range from money and grades to recognition and praise. External motivations are often used in various settings, such as in the workplace or in education, to encourage behaviors that might not occur naturally. While extrinsic motivation can be a powerful tool, it's important to strike a balance since too much reliance on external rewards can sometimes diminish intrinsic motivation.

Behavioral Psychology

Delving deeper into why we do what we do, behavioral psychology comes into play. It focuses on the study of how external environmental stimuli influence our actions and our outward behavioral responses.

This field suggests that behavior can be learned and shaped through rewards and punishments, a concept known as operant conditioning. In the context of motivation, behavioral psychology helps us understand how rewards and incentives might be configured to incite certain behaviors, like the extrinsic motivation demonstrated when someone is paid to help another person. It provides insight into the mechanics of learning and behavior modification, making it a crucial concept in both the educational field and beyond.

Internal Rewards

Internal rewards are the personal, intangible benefits that we get from engaging in certain activities without any sort of external incentive. They're about internal satisfaction and a sense of personal achievement. The feeling of contentment from helping someone or the pleasure derived from a hobby are classic examples of internal rewards.

Unlike external rewards which are given by others, internal rewards are self-generated and have a profound psychological impact. They are closely linked with intrinsic motivation and can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, driving a person to action even in the absence of external acknowledgements or material gains.