What is the nature of extrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation that is driven by external factors and outcomes rather than by personal satisfaction or internal desires. When an individual is extrinsically motivated, their behavior is influenced by external rewards or pressures, such as money, grades, recognition, or approval from others. This form of motivation typically relies on task performance that is evaluated by outside sources, meaning that individuals may engage in certain activities primarily to obtain those rewards or to avoid negative consequences.

The option indicating the dependence on task performance and outside control accurately captures this aspect of extrinsic motivation. It emphasizes that such motivation is not about the enjoyment of the task itself but rather about the outcomes that can be achieved through successful task completion, which is often governed by external standards and evaluations.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects of motivation that are intrinsic. They touch on personal satisfaction, internal rewards, and self-set goals, which are all characteristics of intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation involves performing an activity for its own sake, driven by interest or enjoyment in the task rather than for some separable consequence.