Intrinsic motivation is best described as performing a task for what reason?

• A. External rewards
• B. Social expectations
• C. Financial incentives
• D. Internal satisfaction

Answer: (D)

Intrinsic motivation arises from within; you engage in a task because you genuinely enjoy it, find it interesting, or feel it has personal meaning. The driving force is internal satisfaction, not external rewards. When you're intrinsically motivated, you’re curious, like the challenge, or want personal growth, so you’ll keep at it even without praise, money, or social approval. External rewards, social expectations, or financial incentives are external influences and can shift motivation, but they’re not what you feel inside when you’re truly engaged. For example, solving a puzzle because you love the challenge or practicing a skill because the activity itself is enjoyable. That inner sense of satisfaction best captures intrinsic motivation.