Motivation: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

OCR

GCSE

Candidates must distinguish between intrinsic motivation (internal drive, satisfaction, fun) and extrinsic motivation (external sources). Analysis must categorize extrinsic factors into tangible rewards (badges, money) and intangible rewards (praise, recognition). Responses must evaluate the relative efficacy of these mechanisms across different stages of learning, specifically addressing the 'over-justification effect' where excessive extrinsic rewards may undermine intrinsic drive and long-term adherence.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Motivation: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for defining intrinsic motivation as the drive from within, specifically citing fun, enjoyment, satisfaction, or pride.
Credit distinction between tangible extrinsic rewards (trophies, certificates, money) and intangible extrinsic rewards (praise, applause, public recognition).
Candidates must apply concepts to specific sporting contexts; e.g., a beginner swimmer seeking a badge (extrinsic tangible) vs. an elite athlete training for personal mastery (intrinsic).
For AO3, credit evaluation of the potential negative impact of excessive extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation (undermining value) and the sustainability of participation.
Award 1 mark for defining intrinsic motivation as the drive from within, citing 'enjoyment', 'satisfaction', or 'pride'.
Credit distinction between tangible extrinsic rewards (trophies, certificates, money) and intangible extrinsic rewards (praise, applause, public recognition).
For AO3 evaluation, candidates must argue that intrinsic motivation is generally more effective for long-term participation and resilience.
Credit analysis suggesting that overuse of extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, leading to loss of love for the sport.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have defined the terms correctly; now apply them to a specific sporting scenario to secure AO2 marks."
"Differentiate clearly between intangible rewards (external praise) and intrinsic feelings (internal pride)."
"Your evaluation needs to weigh the pros and cons of extrinsic rewards rather than just listing examples."
"Justify why intrinsic motivation is considered superior for lifelong participation in physical activity."
"You have defined the terms correctly; now apply them to a specific sporting scenario to demonstrate AO2 understanding."
"Distinguish clearly between tangible and intangible rewards—praise is external, not internal."
"Evaluate the downside of extrinsic motivation: explain what happens when the reward is removed."
"Connect the source of motivation to the likelihood of continued participation (adherence)."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for defining intrinsic motivation as the drive from within, specifically citing fun, enjoyment, satisfaction, or pride.
Credit distinction between tangible extrinsic rewards (trophies, certificates, money) and intangible extrinsic rewards (praise, applause, public recognition).
Candidates must apply concepts to specific sporting contexts; e.g., a beginner swimmer seeking a badge (extrinsic tangible) vs. an elite athlete training for personal mastery (intrinsic).
For AO3, credit evaluation of the potential negative impact of excessive extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation (undermining value) and the sustainability of participation.
Award 1 mark for defining intrinsic motivation as the drive from within, citing 'enjoyment', 'satisfaction', or 'pride'.
Credit distinction between tangible extrinsic rewards (trophies, certificates, money) and intangible extrinsic rewards (praise, applause, public recognition).
For AO3 evaluation, candidates must argue that intrinsic motivation is generally more effective for long-term participation and resilience.
Credit analysis suggesting that overuse of extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, leading to loss of love for the sport.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When asked for examples of extrinsic motivation, explicitly state whether the example is tangible or intangible to ensure credit.
💡In 'evaluate' questions, contrast the short-term benefits of extrinsic rewards against the long-term sustainability of intrinsic motivation.
💡Link motivation types to the stage of learning; extrinsic is often more effective for the cognitive stage, while intrinsic sustains the autonomous stage.
💡When asked for examples of extrinsic motivation, explicitly state whether the reward is tangible or intangible to ensure clarity.
💡In 6-mark responses, structure the argument to contrast the short-term boost of extrinsic rewards against the long-term sustainability of intrinsic drive.
💡Link the type of motivation to the performer's stage of learning; associate extrinsic rewards with the cognitive stage and intrinsic with the autonomous stage.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing intangible extrinsic motivation (praise from others) with intrinsic motivation (internal pride).
Providing generic examples of rewards without specifying 'tangible' or 'intangible' classifications where required.
Asserting that extrinsic motivation is inherently ineffective; failing to recognize its utility for cognitive learners or beginners.
Confusing intangible extrinsic rewards (e.g., praise from a coach) with intrinsic motivation (internal feeling of pride).
Listing 'winning' as a type of motivation without specifying whether it refers to the trophy (extrinsic tangible) or the feeling of success (intrinsic).
Asserting that extrinsic motivation is ineffective; examiners require recognition of its value for beginners or cognitive learners.

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Intrinsic Motivation Mechanisms

Extrinsic Motivation: Tangible vs. Intangible

The Over-justification Effect and Coaching Strategy

Mechanisms of Intrinsic Drive (Fun, Satisfaction, Mastery)

Classification of Extrinsic Rewards (Tangible vs. Intangible)

Pedagogical Application and the Over-Justification Effect

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Define

Describe

Explain

Apply

Evaluate

Analyse

Identify

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