Tuesday, July 30, 2024

How Motivation & Curiosity Are Linked

     Extrinsic motivation occurs when our actions are driven by external rewards or pressures, such as grades, money, or the approval of others. For instance, a student might study hard to earn high grades or to receive praise from parents and teachers. While effective in the short term, extrinsic motivation often lacks the sustainability and depth of its counterpart, intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is fueled by internal rewards inherent in the activity itself. When we are intrinsically motivated, we engage in an activity because we find it inherently enjoyable or fulfilling. This shift can lead to functional autonomy, where behaviors initially motivated by external rewards transition into activities pursued for their own sake. For example, someone might start running to lose weight but eventually continue running because they find joy and pleasure in the activity itself.

Intrinsically motivated behavior is particularly fascinating when linked to curiosity. Curiosity drives us to explore and learn without the need for external rewards. It creates a sense of effectance, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill or understanding a complex concept. Additionally, activities driven by intrinsic motivation can lead to a state of flow, where we become fully immersed and lose track of time. By nurturing intrinsic motivation, we can cultivate a deeper engagement with our passions and interests. This ultimately leads to more meaningful and satisfying experiences.

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/developing-curiosity/0/steps/154738


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