EDUCATION (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The term ‘intrinsic’ was first seen in an article by Harlow (1950). Harlow’s theory was based on a study on Rhesus monkeys, which led him to believe that the problem-solving behaviour of monkeys in manipulating mechanical puzzles, continued for many hours in the absence of food (extrinsic reward).

Detailed explanation-2: -Deci and Ryan developed the Self-Determination Theory of motivation, toppling the dominant belief that the best way to get human beings to perform tasks is to reinforce their behavior with rewards.

Detailed explanation-3: -As to their motivation, Harlow offered a novel theory: “The performance of the task provided intrinsic reward.” The monkeys performed because they found it gratifying to solve puzzles. They enjoyed it, and the joy of the task was its own reward.

Detailed explanation-4: -Intrinsic motivation is defined as the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. When intrinsically motivated, a person is moved to act for the fun or challenge entailed rather than because of external products, pressures, or rewards.

Detailed explanation-5: -It posits that there are two main types of motivation-intrinsic and extrinsic-and that both are powerful forces in shaping who we are and how we behave (Deci & Ryan, 2008). It is a theory that grew out of researchers Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan’s work on motivation in the 1970s and 1980s.