Which term describes motivation to engage in activities to receive external rewards?

• A. Intrinsic Motivation
• B. Extrinsic Motivation
• C. Drive-Reduction Theory
• D. Arousal Theory

Answer: (B)

Extrinsic motivation describes turning to activities to obtain rewards or avoid penalties from outside the activity itself. In this view, the push to act comes from outcomes like money, grades, or praise rather than from enjoying the task for its own sake. This differs from intrinsic motivation, where the activity is pursued for internal satisfaction or interest. Drive-Reduction Theory focuses on internal physiological needs that create drives (like hunger) that push behavior to reduce tension, not on external rewards. Arousal Theory is about seeking an optimal level of alertness or excitement, rather than pursuing external outcomes. For example, working a job to earn a paycheck is extrinsically motivated, whereas reading a novel because you genuinely enjoy it is intrinsically motivated.