What is the key difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

The key distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation lies in the source of the motivation itself. Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity because it is inherently enjoyable or satisfying, often stemming from personal interests, values, or a sense of achievement. When someone is intrinsically motivated, they find fulfillment and pleasure in the activity itself, such as learning for the joy of knowledge or creating art because they love the process.

On the other hand, extrinsic motivation involves engaging in a task not for its own sake but for some external reward or to avoid negative consequences. This could include completing a project for praise, money, or other tangible outcomes. The focus here is on the benefits that come from outside the individual rather than the enjoyment of the task itself.

Thus, the statements about altruism, the strength of motivation, or the conscious versus unconscious nature of the motivations do not accurately capture the core difference as articulated in the chosen answer. It's primarily about whether the driving force is an internal sense of satisfaction or an external reward.