FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Learning ProcessHard
A private pilot continues studying advanced aerodynamics purely out of personal fascination with how airplanes fly, without any grade, certificate requirement, or external reward involved. This drive to learn is best classified as:
- AInstrumental motivation
- BIntrinsic motivation
- CExtrinsic negative motivation
- DExtrinsic positive motivation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation arises from internal satisfaction, curiosity, or personal interest rather than external rewards or pressures. Since the pilot studies purely for personal fascination without any external incentive, this is intrinsic motivation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Instrumental motivation' is not a standard category in the FAA motivation framework.
- C. Extrinsic negative motivation involves avoiding punishment or unpleasant consequences, not present in this case.
- D. Extrinsic positive motivation involves external rewards, such as praise or certificates, which are absent here.
Intrinsic Motivation
Motivation that comes from within the learner, driven by personal interest, curiosity, or satisfaction rather than external rewards or pressures.
- Contrasted with extrinsic positive (rewards) and extrinsic negative (avoiding punishment) motivation
- Generally produces more durable, self-sustaining learning
- Instructors try to foster intrinsic motivation for lasting learning
Memory trick: From within (intrinsic) vs. from without (extrinsic positive/negative)