Intrinsic motivation is the drive to perform an activity for its inherent satisfaction — the activity itself is the reward, not some separable outcome. It is distinguished from extrinsic motivation (action for external rewards) and defined by three parameters: autonomy (volitional choice), competence (felt effectiveness), and relatedness (connection to others), per Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan, 1985). The concept persists through psychological theory, measurement instruments, empirical research, and pedagogical application. [formal: intrinseca motivatio | substrate: mind | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
intrinsic-motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the drive to perform an activity for its inherent satisfaction — the activity itself is the reward, not some separable outcome. It is distinguished from extrinsic motivation (action for external rewards) and defined…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A psychological construct describing the drive to engage in activities for their inherent satisfaction rather than for separable external rewards. The concept, its measurement, and theoretical frameworks (Self-Determination Theory) are outputs of psychological research and discourse.
Names and aliases
- intrinsic-motivationen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
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Intrinsic motivation is cultivated and maintained in educational settings for the sake of self-regulated learning. When learners are intrinsically motivated, self-regulation is sustained without external prompts — the purpose of fostering intrinsic motivation is to further self-directed learning operation.
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Intrinsic motivation is a specific kind of motivation — motivation that arises from internal satisfaction rather than external reward. 'a Y' test: intrinsic motivation is a motivation.
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Record identity
- Created
- Jul 24, 2026, 5:57 PM UTC
- Content hash
- 10537bd3825fff05096fb7b1a5f581fde13fe3213cef7dae7758286a56acb1be