Behavior is motivated by the desire for external rewards or incentives.

Behavior is motivated by the desire for external rewards or incentives.

• A. Intrinsic motivation
• B. Incentive theory
• C. Self Determination Theory
• D. Approach-avoidance Conflict

Answer: (B)

Incentive theory explains that motivation is driven by external rewards or incentives. When a reward is anticipated—money, praise, prizes, or avoiding punishment—it increases the likelihood of performing the behavior to obtain that reward. This makes the statement a direct fit for incentive theory. In contrast, intrinsic motivation involves doing something for internal satisfaction, interest, or enjoyment rather than for an outside reward. Self Determination Theory explores how autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence motivation and can involve both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but it isn’t defined solely by external rewards. Approach-avoidance conflict describes internal tug-of-war between competing desires about a single goal rather than a focus on external incentives.

Incentive theory explains that motivation is driven by external rewards or incentives. When a reward is anticipated—money, praise, prizes, or avoiding punishment—it increases the likelihood of performing the behavior to obtain that reward. This makes the statement a direct fit for incentive theory. In contrast, intrinsic motivation involves doing something for internal satisfaction, interest, or enjoyment rather than for an outside reward. Self Determination Theory explores how autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence motivation and can involve both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but it isn’t defined solely by external rewards. Approach-avoidance conflict describes internal tug-of-war between competing desires about a single goal rather than a focus on external incentives.