Which type of motivation is driven by external rewards?

Extrinsic motivation is characterized by behavior that is driven by external rewards. This includes outcomes such as money, praise, recognition, or other benefits that come from outside the individual. Individuals motivated extrinsically engage in activities not necessarily for the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from the activity itself but rather to achieve some form of reward or avoid negative consequences.

In contrast, intrinsic motivation arises from internal desires, such as personal satisfaction, enjoyment, or a sense of fulfillment derived from the activity itself. Self-motivation often overlaps with intrinsic motivation and emphasizes the drive originating from within an individual, while independent motivation is not a widely recognized category in the context of motivation research. Therefore, understanding the distinction between external rewards and internal desires clarifies why extrinsic motivation is the correct choice in this context.