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Assignment Five

The document discusses the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, illustrating each type with personal experiences from high school. Extrinsic motivation, driven by external rewards like grades and parental approval, can lead to stress and burnout, while intrinsic motivation, fueled by personal interest and curiosity, results in a more enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience. The author reflects on their preference for intrinsic motivation, emphasizing its positive impact on understanding and retention of information.

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Assignment Five

The document discusses the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, illustrating each type with personal experiences from high school. Extrinsic motivation, driven by external rewards like grades and parental approval, can lead to stress and burnout, while intrinsic motivation, fueled by personal interest and curiosity, results in a more enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience. The author reflects on their preference for intrinsic motivation, emphasizing its positive impact on understanding and retention of information.

Uploaded by

manyangmartin1010
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation can be categorized into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation arises from
within, driven by personal interest or enjoyment in the task itself. In contrast, extrinsic motivation is
driven by external rewards or the desire to avoid negative consequences. Reflecting on my own
experiences in 2019, when I was in the science section of high school, I can clearly identify instances of
both types of motivation.

One example of extrinsic motivation was when I aimed to achieve high grades in subjects like physics,
chemistry, and mathematics to gain admission into a reputable university and keep my parents proud.
My goal was clear: to build a strong academic profile that would increase my chances of being accepted
into a good program. The motivation came primarily from the external rewards of university admission,
the approval of my parents and teachers, and the pressure to secure a promising career path. Although I
was interested in some of the subjects, the pressure of maintaining high grades often felt more like a
necessity than a passion. This type of motivation was effective in pushing me to study consistently,
complete assignments on time, and perform well on exams. However, it occasionally led to stress and
burnout, making the learning experience less enjoyable.

On the other hand, an instance of intrinsic motivation occurred when I delved into biology topics beyond
the curriculum. My goal was simply to satisfy my curiosity about how living organisms function. I found
myself eagerly reading articles, watching documentaries, and conducting small experiments—not for
grades or rewards but purely because I enjoyed learning more about the subject. This type of motivation
made the process more fulfilling and enjoyable, allowing me to absorb information more effortlessly and
with less stress.

These experiences highlight the key differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic
motivation can effectively drive performance in the short term, especially when external rewards are
significant. However, it can also lead to pressure and diminish the joy of learning. Intrinsic motivation, in
contrast, fosters a more positive and sustainable learning experience, enhancing both retention and
satisfaction.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that I am more of an intrinsically motivated learner. While
external rewards can influence me, my most meaningful and satisfying learning experiences have come
from a genuine interest in the subject matter. The sense of accomplishment and curiosity-driven
learning not only make the process more enjoyable but also improve my understanding and retention of
information. This insight into my motivational style encourages me to focus on nurturing my intrinsic
interests, which I believe will lead to more fulfilling and effective learning in my academic journey.

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