Extrinsic Motivation
Updated 2026-08-01
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
A construct of self-determination theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. Extrinsic motivation covers behavior driven by outcomes separable from the activity, such as money, grades, or approval. The theory orders it along a continuum from external regulation through introjected and identified regulation to integrated regulation, with the later forms approaching intrinsic motivation. Moderate extrinsic motivation can support behavior change, but controlling rewards can undermine intrinsic interest.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Diagnose drivers: determine whether a behavior is held up by interest or only by the reward attached to it - Choose incentives: pick rewards that inform competence rather than control behavior - Build internalization: move people from external regulation toward identified and integrated regulation
Anchor fast decisions
Rewards shift the perceived cause of an action from internal interest to an external contingency. When the reward is later withdrawn, the behavior has no remaining justification and stops. The effect is strongest for tasks that were already interesting and for rewards perceived as controlling, whereas rewards that convey competence and are expected for dull work can raise motivation without eroding it.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivationverified
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