What is intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal desire to engage in an activity for the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction that it brings, rather than for some separable consequence or external reward. When a person is intrinsically motivated, they perform an action because they find it interesting, fulfilling, or inherently rewarding. This type of motivation fosters creativity, persistence, and high levels of engagement in the task at hand.

For instance, a student who loves solving math puzzles might spend hours working on them simply because they enjoy the challenge and the process of problem-solving. This contrasts sharply with external motivations, where someone might work on a math problem solely for a reward, like a good grade or praise from a teacher. The essence of intrinsic motivation lies in the joy and personal satisfaction derived from the activity itself, making it a fundamental concept in understanding human behavior and learning.