Differences between students with intrinsic goals and extrinsic goals

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP14.57

Authors: Jongho Shin, Soowon Park, Eun Mo Yeon, Suhyang Kim, and Yeo-eun Kim

Abstract:

We aimed to examine the differences in students’ goal characteristics (goal autonomy, goal commitment and goal attainability) between students with intrinsic goals and students with extrinsic goals. We also explored how students’ consideration of personal factors (e.g., interest, competence, identity, and value) and social factors (e.g., indirect experiences, direct experiences and community involvement) would be different in the process of goal setting depends on their type of goal (intrinsic or extrinsic). Results showed no differences in patterns on characteristics of goals and students’ consideration of personal factors and social factors in their goal-setting processes between students with intrinsic goals and extrinsic goals. However, if students have intrinsic goals they show more autonomy and commitment to attain the goal. In addition, students’ with intrinsic goals also consider more personal factors and social factors when they are setting goal.

Keywords: intrinsic goal, extrinsic goal, goal characteristics, personal factors, social factors