What best differentiates intrinsic motivation from extrinsic motivation?

The distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation lies fundamentally in the source of motivation itself. Intrinsic motivation is characterized by the engagement in an activity for its own sake, deriving pleasure, interest, or personal satisfaction from the activity rather than from external rewards. When a person is intrinsically motivated, they engage in a task because they find it rewarding internally, such as experiencing joy in learning a new skill or the satisfaction of solving a challenging problem. This motivation fosters a deeper connection to the task and often leads to enhanced learning and creativity.

In contrast, extrinsic motivation involves performing a behavior or engaging in an activity to earn external rewards or avoid punishment. Recognizing this fundamental difference clarifies why intrinsic motivation is associated with personal fulfillment, driving individuals to pursue their interests and goals based solely on their internal desires. This internal motivation tends to be more sustainable and leads to greater persistence and engagement in activities compared to extrinsic motivation, which may only provide temporary boosts of motivation tied to external outcomes.