Engaging in activities for their own sake, driven by internal rewards.

• A. Extrinsic Motivation
• B. Incentive Theory
• C. Self Determination Theory
• D. Intrinsic motivation

Answer: (D)

Intrinsic motivation is when you engage in an activity for its own sake, driven by internal rewards such as curiosity, interest, or a sense of mastery. The statement describes doing something because it feels rewarding internally, not to achieve an external outcome. That internal satisfaction is what keeps you going even without external incentives. This differs from extrinsic motivation, where the drive comes from outside—like money, grades, or praise. Incentive Theory emphasizes those external rewards as motivators, so it doesn’t capture the idea of doing something for its own sake. Self Determination Theory looks at how autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence motivation, including why people are drawn to activities they find meaningful. An example is practicing a hobby simply because you enjoy the process, not for a prize.