Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Aspiring Psychologists.

Intrinsic motivation is characterized by engaging in an activity for the inherent satisfaction and pleasure it brings, rather than for some separable outcome. When someone is intrinsically motivated, they perform an action because they find it enjoyable or fulfilling, such as playing a musical instrument for the joy of making music or learning a new language because they love the challenge and experience of learning.

This type of motivation is crucial in areas such as education and personal development, as it often leads to greater persistence and more profound engagement with the subject matter. For example, a student who studies a topic out of genuine interest is more likely to understand and retain the material compared to a student who only learns for grades or rewards.

In contrast, the other types of motivation, such as extrinsic motivation, involve engaging in behavior to earn rewards or avoid punishment. Social motivation relates to our drive to connect with others and maintain social relationships, while cognitive motivation involves an internal drive to understand or predict the world but is not solely based on intrinsic satisfaction. Thus, intrinsic motivation stands out as the key concept defined by internal satisfaction.