Harrison Osien's 'Extrinsic Motivation'

Getting motivated to achieve something is important to achieving one’s goals. A relevant and timely example; how one gets motivated to becoming a successful college student. According to Harrison Osien in “Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation” there are two types of motivation that come into play. An examination of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation will help to clarify what motivates us to accomplish things.

The first type of motivation is extrinsic. “Extrinsic motivation comes from the outside. It is the desire to do something because of an external force”. This type can be described as a risk or reward motivation. Rules and structures are in place to ensure we are motivated to perform desired actions. Harrison tells us that penalties

This motivation comes from an individual having an aspiration to do things that are important to them, and is not motivated by potential risk or reward. For example, I play ice hockey because I love it and not for any risk or reward. Osien tells the reader that extrinsic motivation may not always be there for you to push and prod you to get motivated. One needs to possess intrinsic motivation t, at this point, to succeed.

Both forms of motivation are important to achieve success. Sometimes intrinsic motivation is not yet present in a person so extrinsic motivation is critical if one is to achieve their goals. Osien suggests too much extrinsic motivation is not a good thing. If a kid is expecting a cookie for every good act they will soon grow fat or lose their motivation when the cookie jar is empty. For this reason it is important for one to develop a sense of intrinsic motivation.

Alan McLean, a Scottish psychologist, “believes that intrinsic motivation to learn can be encouraged”. This can be helped by providing young students with a sense of being accepted and comfortable in a group environment. If they have a strong base, then McLean believes that they are more inclined to trust themselves and find their own motivation. Having self-confidence and self-sufficiency can develop intrinsic