Home › MCQs › Education › Question #6883
Back to Questions
Education QUESTION #6883
Question 1
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the context of rewards for struggling students?
  • Extrinsic rewards permanently replace intrinsic motivation and should therefore be minimized
  • Extrinsic rewards, when appropriately used for struggling students, can scaffold persistence until intrinsic motivation is eventually developed✔️
  • Intrinsic motivation is irrelevant for students with learning difficulties; only extrinsic reinforcement is effective
  • Extrinsic rewards are most effective when given randomly and unpredictably to maintain student interest
Correct Answer Explanation
Research suggests that for students who repeatedly experience failure, extrinsic rewards can provide the persistence needed to acquire foundational skills — and once these skills lead to success, the intrinsic reward of competence may emerge. The goal is to use extrinsic rewards as scaffolding, not as a permanent substitute for intrinsic motivation.