What Is Motivation?

Motivation is the force that starts, directs, and sustains behavior. In this lesson, Professor Amit Kumar introduces motivation as a practical concept you can observe in work, learning, and everyday decisions.

You will learn the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, why motivation is not the same as effort or performance, and how needs, goals, and context shape what people do. This foundation will prepare you for later lessons on major theories of motivation.