Question

Vince and Edith are training for a marathon. When asked why they are running the race, Vince says he wants the medal they give out to everyone who crosses the finish line. Edith responds that she enjoys trying new things. Vince's behavior is most likely explained by whereas Edith's behavior is most likely explained by a. extrinsic motivation; intrinsic motivation b. intrinsic motivation; extrinsic motivation c. self-perception theory; self-determination theory d. self-determination theory; self-perception theory

Short answer

a. extrinsic motivation; intrinsic motivation

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terms

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity because you find it enjoyable or interesting, while extrinsic motivation refers to the participation in an activity for external rewards or recognition. Self-perception theory is the idea that people infer their motives based on observations of their own behavior, and self-determination theory is the psychological theory that states people prefer to feel they have control over their actions and make choices based on their interests and values.

Analyze Vince's motivation

Vince's reason for running the marathon is to receive a medal, which is given to everyone who crosses the finish line. This external reward is not driven by an interest in the activity itself, but rather the recognition from getting the medal. Therefore, his behavior is most likely explained by extrinsic motivation.

Analyze Edith's motivation

Edith's reason for running the marathon is because she enjoys trying new things. This indicates that she is participating in the marathon for the enjoyment and satisfaction of doing something new, rather than gaining an external reward. Edith's behavior is most likely explained by intrinsic motivation.

Identify the correct answer

From the analysis in steps 2 and 3, we can identify that Vince's motivation is extrinsic, and Edith's motivation is intrinsic. Therefore, the correct answer is: a. extrinsic motivation; intrinsic motivation

Key concepts

Intrinsic Motivation

Imagine doing something simply because it brings you joy or challenges you in a fulfilling way. This is the essence of intrinsic motivation. It's that internal drive that pushes individuals to engage in tasks for the sheer pleasure and satisfaction they derive from the activity itself, not for some external reward.

Consider Edith, who runs marathons because she loves the experience and the personal challenge it represents. She's not looking for a medal or recognition; her reward is the activity itself. This type of motivation is crucial for long-term success and personal growth because it relies on personal values and interests, making activities more sustainable and enjoyable.

For students, finding intrinsic motivation in their studies, such as a passion for the subject or the joy of mastering new concepts, can lead to a more engaging and rewarding educational experience.

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation comes into play when our actions are driven by external rewards or to avoid negative consequences. It is the type of motivation that Vince exhibits when he says he's running a marathon primarily to earn a medal.

The drive to achieve those rewards – whether they are trophies, money, grades, or even social recognition – can be powerful. But it's worth noting that while extrinsic motivators can be effective in the short term, they may not sustain commitment or enjoyment in the same way intrinsic motivators do.

Students motivated extrinsically may work hard to get good grades or win competitions, but they might not necessarily enjoy the learning process. Finding a balance between extrinsic rewards and intrinsic enjoyment is key.

Self-Perception Theory

Self-perception theory dives into the concept of understanding oneself based on observations of one's own behavior. It suggests that like outsiders, we make inferences about our motivations by watching what we do.

If a person regularly participates in activities like volunteering at a shelter, they might conclude they care deeply about animal welfare. This can be a complex process, as individuals might not always have clear, conscious motivation for their actions; instead, they infer their motives retrospectively.

In an educational context, when a student notices they frequently help their classmates understand tough concepts, they might come to see themselves as someone who values knowledge sharing and collaboration, which could influence their future behavior in group settings.

Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a broad framework for the study of human motivation and personality. It posits that there are basic psychological needs – competence, connection, and autonomy – that, when satisfied, enable optimal function and growth.

SDT suggests that we are most motivated to carry out tasks when we feel that these tasks are self-chosen and align with our interests and values. Autonomy in this context means feeling in control of one’s own behaviors and goals, competence relates to mastering tasks and learning different skills, and connection refers to a sense of belonging and attachment to others.

For students, empowerment and a sense of control over their learning process can result in higher motivation and engagement, leading to a more positive and effective educational experience.