Incentive Theory
The incentive theory of motivation is supported by many behavioral psychologists. This theory states that humans act in response to extrinsic or intrinsic incentives. Extrinsic motivation refers to inessential or external factors, while intrinsic motivation refers to essential or internal factors. This theory argues that you are more often extrinsically motivated by rewards rather than doing things purely because you enjoy them or find the activity fulfilling in itself. For example, you may work more out of a desire for monetary rewards rather than the joy of work itself. You would experience the strongest form of motivation if you find a task enjoyable and receive a reward for participating. This will vary based on individual differences because each person has a unique sense of desire.
Consider that you enjoy painting artwork (an intrinsic incentive) but you are also popular enough to sell the paintings for money (an extrinsic incentive). Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are then sources of motivation because your motivation to create the artwork is present without the monetary reward, but you are likely to choose to paint more frequently once you also have the incentive of money.
