Which statement best captures intrinsic motivation in play?

Which statement best captures intrinsic motivation in play?

• A. Play requires external approval to start.
• B. Motivation comes intrinsically.
• C. Play is driven by external rewards only.
• D. Play is always structured to achieve a goal.

Answer: (B)

Intrinsic motivation means doing an activity for its own sake—because it’s enjoyable, interesting, or satisfying—without needing external rewards or approval. In play, children often start and continue because they find the activity fun and want to explore, learn, or express themselves. This internal drive is exactly what intrinsic motivation describes. The other ideas involve external influences, like needing approval or rewards, or assuming play must always have a specific goal. Those reflect extrinsic motivation or a highly structured view of play, not the self-driven impulse intrinsic motivation captures.

Intrinsic motivation means doing an activity for its own sake—because it’s enjoyable, interesting, or satisfying—without needing external rewards or approval. In play, children often start and continue because they find the activity fun and want to explore, learn, or express themselves. This internal drive is exactly what intrinsic motivation describes. The other ideas involve external influences, like needing approval or rewards, or assuming play must always have a specific goal. Those reflect extrinsic motivation or a highly structured view of play, not the self-driven impulse intrinsic motivation captures.