Which of the following best defines intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of personal interest or satisfaction, rather than for some external reward or requirement. When individuals are intrinsically motivated, they find joy and fulfillment in the process of learning, exploring, or completing a task, which leads to a deeper understanding and connection to the subject matter.

In contrast, other factors like external rewards, course requirements, or positive reinforcement from peers focus on outside influences that encourage participation or achievement. These can lead to temporary motivation but do not foster the same level of engagement and self-driven learning that intrinsic motivation does. By cultivating intrinsic motivation, educators and trainers can encourage lifelong learning and a genuine interest in the material.