UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Option C – extrinsic motivation Extrinsic motivation is present when behaviour is controlled by external consequences such as rewards, grades or the threat of punishment. In this case, the learner’s primary goal is to obtain something desirable or avoid something aversive rather than to enjoy the task itself. Completing homework mainly to earn rewards or escape punishment fits this pattern very clearly. Therefore, the behaviour described in the stem is driven by extrinsic motivation.

Option A:
Intrinsic motivation occurs when an activity is undertaken because it is inherently interesting or satisfying, independent of external outcomes. A student who does homework just for rewards or to avoid punishment is not acting out of intrinsic interest in the subject matter. Thus, intrinsic motivation does not correctly describe the situation.

Option B:
Holistic motivation is not a standard technical term and could vaguely refer to a broad set of motives, but it does not capture the specific idea of external rewards or punishments controlling behaviour. The stem clearly emphasizes external consequences, so this option is not precise.

Option C:
Extrinsic motivation explains why learners may comply with tasks they do not particularly enjoy, such as homework, when linked to grades, praise or sanctions. The presence of rewards and punishments as main drivers is the defining feature of this type of motivation. Because the stem describes exactly this condition, this option is the correct answer.

Option D:
Spontaneous motivation would imply acting without obvious prior planning or external pressure, often from sudden interest. The behaviour in the question is not spontaneous but clearly tied to external contingencies, so spontaneous motivation is not an accurate label here.