FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Learning ProcessHard
A student pilot has little genuine interest in weather theory but studies it intensively only because a local flight school is offering a $500 scholarship to whoever scores highest on the private pilot knowledge test. This motivation is best classified as:
- AIntrinsic motivation
- BNegative motivation
- CInstinctive motivation
- DExtrinsic motivation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Extrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation arises from external rewards or incentives, such as money or prizes, rather than from personal interest in the subject itself; the scholarship, not genuine curiosity, is driving the studying.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Intrinsic motivation comes from internal interest or enjoyment, which the student explicitly lacks.
- B. Negative motivation involves fear of a bad outcome, not pursuit of a reward.
- C. 'Instinctive motivation' is not a recognized category of motivation in the FAA learning process model.
Extrinsic Motivation
Motivation that comes from external factors such as rewards, grades, or recognition rather than from internal interest or satisfaction in the task itself.
- Driven by outside rewards like money, certificates, or praise
- Can be positive (reward-seeking) or negative (avoiding punishment)
- Contrasts with intrinsic motivation, which comes from internal interest
Memory trick: Extrinsic = External reward pulls you from Outside