What is the term for motivation that arises from the expectation of punishment or reward?

What is the term for motivation that arises from the expectation of punishment or reward?

• A. Extrinsic Motivation
• B. Intrinsic Motivation
• C. Incentive Theory
• D. Instinct

Answer: (A)

External outcomes drive this type of motivation. When the urge to act comes from the desire to gain rewards or avoid punishment, it’s extrinsic motivation. This contrasts with intrinsic motivation, which comes from internal interest or personal satisfaction in the activity itself. The idea behind incentive theory is related—it explains how external rewards influence motivation—but the term for the motivation itself in this scenario is extrinsic motivation. Instinct, on the other hand, refers to innate, pre-programmed patterns of behavior, not motivation driven by consequences.

External outcomes drive this type of motivation. When the urge to act comes from the desire to gain rewards or avoid punishment, it’s extrinsic motivation. This contrasts with intrinsic motivation, which comes from internal interest or personal satisfaction in the activity itself. The idea behind incentive theory is related—it explains how external rewards influence motivation—but the term for the motivation itself in this scenario is extrinsic motivation. Instinct, on the other hand, refers to innate, pre-programmed patterns of behavior, not motivation driven by consequences.