What’s the difference between Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Rewards

A very common question in gamification is “What is the difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic” when talking about rewards and motivation. Well..

• Intrinsic motivation: Personal/internal needs and reasons acting.
• Relatedness, Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose are examples of this.
• You don’t play video games for the reward, you play because you enjoy them
• You read for pleasure, not monetary reward.
• You spend time with your family because you want to.
• Learn because you want to improve and be better.
• Extrinsic reward: An external reward, such as money, that is used to encourage action.
• Studying just to get a good grade, not the experience of learning.
• Use a shop because they have a loyalty card.
• Do your job just for the pay cheque.
• Only exercise because you want to get the 10,000 steps badge.

Originally published at Gamified UK Gamification Consultancy.