Why might someone be motivated to perform an activity solely to gain a reward?

The rationale for selecting the answer related to instrumental motivation is rooted in the understanding of motivation itself. Instrumental motivation occurs when individuals engage in an activity primarily to achieve a specific goal or obtain a reward that is external to the activity itself. This type of motivation is centered around the anticipated benefits or outcomes rather than the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from the activity.

When a person participates in an activity solely for the purpose of gaining a reward, such as praise, prizes, or other tangible benefits, they are acting on an externally focused drive. This contrasts with intrinsic motivation, where the engagement in the activity is driven by internal rewards, such as personal enjoyment or a sense of accomplishment.

Thus, instrumental motivation highlights the importance of external incentives and how they can effectively spur individuals to undertake tasks or activities they might not otherwise find inherently compelling. This understanding is crucial in fields like education, behavioral psychology, and workplace management, where recognizing the type of motivation can influence how to best encourage participation and engagement.