Question

Carl mows the yard of his elderly neighbor each week for \(\$ 20 .\) What type of motivation is this? a. extrinsic b. intrinsic c. drive d. biological

Short answer

The type of motivation for Carl mowing his elderly neighbor's yard for $20 is a. Extrinsic.

Step-by-step solution

Analyse the Options

Begin by understanding what each type of motivation means. \n\na. Extrinsic motivation - is when someone is motivated by external factors, such as rewards or punishments. \n\nb. Intrinsic Motivation - is when someone is motivated by internal factors, enjoying the tasks or finding it meaningful. \n\nc. Drive - it is the instinctual reactions to certain kinds of stimulus. \n\nd. Biological - this motivation is rooted in an individual's physiological state.

Apply the Situation to Each Type of Motivation

Now, decide which motivation Carl's action falls under. Carl mows the yard for $20. He does this neither because of instinct nor due to his physiological needs, but because he gets paid to do it. He does not do it for the personal enjoyment of mowing the lawn, but for the reward he gets at the end of the task. Therefore, it appears that he is motivated to do the task because he receives money, which is an external reward.

Select the Correct Type

Carl's motivation for mowing the yard is to receive payment, i.e., an external reward. This fits the definition of extrinsic motivation. So, the answer is 'a. Extrinsic'.

Key concepts

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation is when an individual is driven by internal satisfaction rather than external rewards. Imagine being motivated to do something purely because it's enjoyable or meaningful to you.

For example, consider someone who loves painting. They don't do it for money or praise; they simply enjoy expressing themselves through art. This is intrinsic motivation. It’s about the internal joy and fulfillment one gets from participating in an activity.

• Examples include hobbies, play, and learning new things for personal satisfaction.
• Intrinsic motivation tends to make activities more fulfilling, as there’s no external pressure.

People often associate the success of a task with the enjoyment of the process rather than the outcome. This form of motivation is crucial for self-growth and personal development because it’s driven by your interests and passions.

Drive Motivation

Drive motivation is associated with our innate, biological reactions that compel us to act. It stems from our natural instincts and basic psychological needs. Think of it as an internal push rather than a pull from external factors.

A classic example of drive motivation is hunger. When you're hungry, your body signals you to eat. It’s an intrinsic reaction to a physiological need. Drives are about maintaining homeostasis and fulfilling basic needs like eating, drinking, or sleeping.

• Drives are instinctual and are triggered without much thought.
• They often lead to actions aimed at fulfilling a psychological or physical need.

Understanding drive motivation helps illuminate why we sometimes act without external rewards or incentives. It's about satisfying innate urges that ensure survival and well-being.

Biological Motivation

Biological motivation is rooted in our physiological state and needs. These motivations ensure that we fulfill the necessities that support life preservation and functioning. You're motivated by what your body requires to stay healthy and balanced.

For instance, the need for nutrition, water, and sleep are primary biological drives. When you're thirsty, your body motivates you to drink water. This motivation comes from an internal, biological requirement.

• Biological motivations are essential for survival.
• They include needs like hunger, thirst, and the requirement for rest.

This type of motivation is fundamental as it drives behavior towards maintaining and regulating bodily functions.