Which of the following best describes intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in activities for their own sake, where the individual finds personal satisfaction, enjoyment, or fulfillment in the task itself. This form of motivation is characterized by a deep-seated interest or passion that compels a person to pursue an activity without needing external incentives.

When someone is intrinsically motivated, they participate in an activity because they find it enjoyable or because it aligns with their personal values and aspirations. This contrasts with extrinsic motivation, which relies on external rewards or pressures. In the context of learning, students who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to engage deeply with the material, display persistence, and achieve higher levels of understanding, as their efforts are fueled by personal gratification rather than outside incentives or consequences.