Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Abstract

Intrinsic motivation is the innate, natural propensity to engage one’s interests and exercise one’s capacities, and in so doing, to seek and conquer optimal challenges. Such motivation emerges spontaneously from internal tendencies and can motivate behavior even without the aid of extrinsic rewards or environmental controls. Intrinsic motivation is also an important motivator of the learning, adaptation, and growth in competencies that characterize human development. One would think from this description that intrinsic motivation is a ubiquitous phenomenon, and yet the examination of many settings suggests just the opposite. In factories and classrooms, offices and kitchens, one finds evidence of boredom, alienation, and inactivity. There appears to be a strong indication that people are prone to disinterest and stagnation.