Motivation: Intrinsic, extrinsic, tangible and intangible.

The idea

Motivation is the internal drive that initiates, directs and sustains behaviour. Intrinsic motivation arises from internal satisfaction, such as a gymnast perfecting a routine because the challenge itself is rewarding. Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or pressures, such as a coach's praise or a trophy. Extrinsic rewards divide into tangible and intangible. Tangible rewards are physical or measurable, for example money, medals or certificates. Intangible rewards are non-physical, such as praise, recognition or a sense of belonging. A performer may be driven by both types simultaneously, and the balance can shift over time. Understanding these categories helps explain why athletes persist, why some lose interest when rewards stop, and how coaches can structure environments to support long-term participation.

What earns the marks

• Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, because the activity itself is inherently satisfying or enjoyable.
• Extrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity to obtain a separate outcome, such as a reward, praise, money or to avoid punishment.
• Tangible rewards are extrinsic and have a physical or measurable form, for example medals, trophies, money or certificates.
• Intangible rewards are extrinsic and are non-physical, for example praise, recognition, status or a sense of belonging.
• A performer can be motivated by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors at the same time, and the relative influence of each can change.
• Intrinsic motivation is often associated with sustained participation and enjoyment, while over-reliance on tangible extrinsic rewards can reduce intrinsic drive when the rewards are removed.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Misunderstanding: all extrinsic rewards are tangible.

  Put it right: Extrinsic rewards include intangible forms such as praise, recognition and status, which have no physical form.

• Misunderstanding: intrinsic motivation means doing something for a reward.

  Put it right: Intrinsic motivation comes from internal satisfaction, not from an external reward or outcome.

• Misunderstanding: tangible and intangible are types of motivation.

  Put it right: They are categories of extrinsic reward, not separate types of motivation alongside intrinsic and extrinsic.

• Misunderstanding: a performer is motivated by only one type at a time.

  Put it right: Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation often operate together, and their relative influence can vary.

Exam tips

• Read the question carefully to identify whether it asks about the type of motivation or the type of reward, as tangible and intangible apply only to extrinsic rewards.
• When classifying an example, ask whether the reason for taking part is internal satisfaction or an external outcome, then decide whether that outcome is physical or non-physical.
• Use precise terminology in your answer, such as 'intrinsic motivation' or 'tangible extrinsic reward', rather than vague phrases like 'inner drive' or 'good reward'.