Which theory states that motivation can be driven by intrinsic or extrinsic factors?

• A. Self-determination theory
• B. Drive theory
• C. Arousal theory
• D. Expectancy theory

Answer: (A)

Motivation can be driven by internal interests as well as external rewards, and Self-determination theory captures this duality. It explains motivation along a continuum from controlled forms (external pressures and rewards) to autonomous forms (intrinsic motivation or internalized extrinsic motives). The theory emphasizes that when environments support autonomy, competence, and relatedness, people internalize external demands and align actions with their own values, making extrinsic motivators feel more self-endorsed. That focus on how both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence motivation—and how they can become integrated into a person’s sense of self—is what sets this theory apart. Other theories describe motivation in terms of drives, arousal, or expected outcomes, but they don’t center on the intrinsic–extrinsic spectrum and internalization in the same way.