Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions

Contemporary Educational Psychology 25, 54–67 (2000)

doi:10.1006/ceps.1999.1020, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and

New Directions

Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci

University of Rochester

Intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation have been widely studied, and the

distinction between them has shed important light on both developmental and educational practices. In this review we revisit the classic definitions of intrinsic and

extrinsic motivation in light of contemporary research and theory. Intrinsic motivation remains an important construct, reflecting the natural human propensity to learn

and assimilate. However, extrinsic motivation is argued to vary considerably in its

relative autonomy and thus can either reflect external control or true self-regulation.

The relations of both classes of motives to basic human needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are discussed.  2000 Academic Press

To be motivated means to be moved to do something. A person who feels

no impetus or inspiration to act is thus characterized as unmotivated, whereas

someone who is energized or activated toward an end is considered motivated. Most everyone who works or plays with others is, accordingly, concerned with motivation, facing the question of how much motivation those

others, or oneself, has for a task, and practitioners of all types face the perennial task of fostering more versus less motivation in those around them. Most

theories of motivation reflect these concerns by viewing motivation as a unitary phenomenon, one that varies from very little motivation to act to a great

deal of it.

Yet, even brief reflection suggests that motivation is hardly a unitary phenomenon. People have not only different amounts, but also different kinds

of motivation. That is, they vary not only in level of motivation (i.e., how

much motivation), but also in the orientation of that motivation (i.e.,...