AP Psychology Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Performing a behavior to receive external rewards
Performing a behavior to avoid punishment
A desire to perform a behavior for its own sake
The sexual attraction towards members of the opposite sex

The correct answer is: A desire to perform a behavior for its own sake

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in a behavior because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable, rather than for some external outcome or reward. When individuals are intrinsically motivated, they derive satisfaction from the activity itself, which fosters a sense of fulfillment and personal growth. This type of motivation is often linked with increased creativity, improved learning, and greater persistence in challenging tasks. In contrast to other forms of motivation, such as performing actions in order to gain external rewards or avoid punishment, intrinsic motivation emphasizes the personal value or enjoyment one finds in the activity. This motivation is crucial in various domains, particularly in education and personal development, as it leads to deeper engagement and a stronger drive towards mastering a skill or subject.