UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Option B – intrinsic motivation Intrinsic motivation arises from internal factors such as curiosity, enjoyment and personal value attached to the activity itself. A learner who studies a topic because they find it interesting and satisfying is driven by this inner desire to know more. Such motivation tends to be more enduring and leads to deeper engagement with learning tasks. Hence, the situation described in the stem is an example of intrinsic motivation.

Option A:
Extrinsic motivation is based on external rewards or pressures, such as grades, prizes or fear of punishment. In that case, the activity is a means to an external end rather than fulfilling in itself. Since the stem mentions personal interest and curiosity rather than rewards, extrinsic motivation is not the correct type here.

Option B:
Intrinsic motivation explains why some students read extra books, explore beyond the syllabus or pursue hobbies even without external incentives. The satisfaction comes from the learning process and mastery itself. Because the student in the question is studying purely out of interest, this option correctly identifies the form of motivation involved.

Option C:
Coercive motivation would rely on threats or force to make students study, creating compliance rather than genuine interest. This often undermines long-term engagement and is opposite to the voluntary enthusiasm described in the stem. Therefore, it cannot be the correct answer.

Option D:
Compulsory motivation is not a standard term in educational psychology; compulsion implies external requirement rather than internal desire. The student in the stem chooses to study because they are curious, not because they are forced, so this option does not fit the described behaviour.