Intrinsic motivation
Engaging in an activity because doing it is interesting or enjoyable.
Definition
Intrinsic motivation is motivation to undertake an activity for the satisfaction inherent in the activity itself.
How to understand it
The relevant question is why the activity is being done. Enjoying the process differs from doing it only to obtain a separate outcome. Intrinsic motivation concerns a relationship between a person and a particular activity, so the same person can find one task absorbing and another uninteresting.
An analysis should specify the activity carefully. Someone may enjoy composing melodies but dislike practicing scales, even though both count as making music. Treating interest as a property of an entire person or a whole subject can conceal those differences. A concrete description also makes changes across time easier to recognize.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan and Deci (2000), Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions, n.d.); (Ryan and Deci (2020), Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective: Definitions, Theory, Practices, and Future Directions, n.d.)
A private puzzle notebook
Teaching scenario
In this fictional example, a commuter invents small map puzzles in a notebook because working out routes is enjoyable. Nobody sees the notebook, and completing a page brings no prize. Later, the commuter submits one puzzle to a paid magazine while continuing to make others privately. The original interest illustrates intrinsic motivation, while the submission introduces an additional incentive. The payment alone cannot tell a reader whether enjoyment has disappeared. Comparing the reasons for the private notebook and the submission is more informative than classifying the person as purely intrinsic.
Constructed for learning. This scenario is not a report of an empirical finding or a diagnosis.
Common confusion: Extrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation concerns satisfaction in doing the activity; extrinsic motivation concerns a separable consequence, including personally valued consequences.
Compare intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan and Deci (2000), Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions, n.d.); (Ryan and Deci (2020), Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective: Definitions, Theory, Practices, and Future Directions, n.d.)
Limits of the concept
- Enjoyment does not remove the need for skills, time, or resources.
- Receiving a reward does not automatically eliminate intrinsic interest.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan and Deci (2000), Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions, n.d.); (Ryan and Deci (2020), Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective: Definitions, Theory, Practices, and Future Directions, n.d.)
Textbook connection
Direct coveragePsychology 2e: 10.1 Motivation
The subsection explicitly discusses this concept.
Supplementary concepts may extend beyond this section. The source notes below identify the evidence for those details.
Related concepts
Check understanding · Inspect how psychological evidence is built
Sources and inspection notes
Checked October 21, 2026. An inspection date is not a source publication date. Definitions and scenarios on this page are original teaching explanations.
- Ryan and deci (2000), intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. (n.d.). https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2000_RyanDeci_IntExtDefs.pdfPrimary-author theoretical review
Opening definitions and discussion of autonomous extrinsic motivation inspected. DOI: 10.1006/ceps.1999.1020. Inspected on 21 October 2026.
- Ryan and deci (2020), intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. (n.d.). https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020_RyanDeci_IntrinsicandExtrinsic.pdfPrimary-author theoretical review
Abstract, introductory framing, and intrinsic motivation subsection inspected. DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860. Inspected on 21 October 2026.
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/10-1-motivationCourse textbook subsection
Title, URL, and relevant subsection text inspected on 21 October 2026. Used for concept checking and course navigation; no textbook exercises or illustrations reproduced.