What type of motivation is driven by external rewards?

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity or behavior due to external rewards or incentives. This can include rewards such as money, praise, recognition, or any other tangible benefits that are outside the individual. When individuals perform a task primarily to achieve some reward or to avoid a punishment, their motivation is considered extrinsic.

In contrast, intrinsic motivation comes from within, where the individual finds enjoyment or satisfaction from the activity itself, regardless of any external benefits. Natural and adaptive motivation are more ambiguous terms and don't typically fit the established framework for types of motivation like intrinsic and extrinsic do. Understanding these distinctions is key to applying motivation theories in educational settings effectively, helping educators find the best approaches to engage and inspire their students.