Extrinsic Reinforcement and Intrinsic Motivation Essay Example

Throughout the years extrinsic reinforcement has undermined intrinsic motivation, although I believe it depends on the situation. Extrinsic reinforcement is when someone is rewarded with something nonessential for behaving properly for example giving them money for their actions. Intrinsic motivation comes from inside the individual for instance; he/she loves or enjoys learning, working, or participating in sports. They will do it with no hesitation and without expecting a reward.
A proven fact that extrinsic reinforcement undermines intrinsic motivation is stated in our text, “if a parent gives a child money as a reinforcer for reading, then the child will be less likely to “read for reading’s sake” (Martin and Pear 38).” However if the parent does not offer a reinforcer for reading and tells the child reading is fun, interesting, and a great learning experience then you can turn reading into intrinsic motivation.
Most of the time in work environments, money will provide a more powerful extrinsic reinforcement than intrinsic motivation. In today’s world, I believe most people do not like their jobs and they go to work just to support themselves to buy clothes, food, and a place to live. Although a person can take pleasure in work, by finding what they love to do in an enjoyable workplace. This will result in intrinsic motivation; however if he/she ask for a raise, they might not enjoy their job anymore, “only demand minimal subsistence wage for fear that their paychecks will destroy their enjoyment of their work (Martin and Pear 38).” “In terms of sports, intrinsic motivation is the motivation that comes from the performer. That is, the athlete competes for the love of the sport (Wapedia Mobile Encyclopedia).” In this situation the athlete is motivated by the interest, enjoyment, satisfaction and his/her talent. Although in most situations the athlete becomes brainwashed by competition; encouraging him/her to win and beat others. They no longer