Which best describes extrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to take action based on external rewards or pressures rather than personal satisfaction from the task itself. This means that individuals are motivated to engage in a behavior or activity not for the enjoyment or fulfillment it brings, but to attain some external outcome, such as a reward, praise, or to avoid negative consequences like punishment.

For example, a student may study hard to earn good grades (a reward) or to meet parental expectations (pressure), which are key components of extrinsic motivation. This contrasts with intrinsic motivation, where the motivation arises from within, related to personal enjoyment, curiosity, or the task's inherent challenges.

Understanding this distinction is crucial because it shows how external factors can effectively motivate individuals in various settings, such as educational environments, workplaces, and during skill development.