The Psychology of Motivation

Motivation is determined by our beliefs, values, cognitions and significant others (Deci & Ryan, 2000). It is the key psychological determinant behind every action we take and effort we exert (Keegan & Lavallee, 2010). 

Our motivation is governed by the internal and/or external forces that drive the initiation, direction, intensity and persistence of our behaviour. 

The internal and external forces of motivation led to the identification of two major types of motivation:

1. Intrinsic motivation – doing something for its own sake (novelty or challenge)
2. Extrinsic motivation – doing something as a means to a certain reward/outcome