"Tom sat in front of his computer, staring at the screen. He had a huge exam the next day, but the thought of studying made him anxious. His friends invited him to hang out, and he thought about joining them. But then he remembered his promise to his parents to study harder, and reluctantly opened his textbook." 1. What is Tom’s internal motivation?

Question

What is Tom’s external motivation? How do these motivations influence Tom’s decision?

Answer 1

Tom's internal motivation stems from his desire to perform well on the exam and fulfill his personal aspirations for success. This could be driven by his ambition, fears of failure, or the joy of learning. On the other hand, his external motivation is represented by the promise he made to his parents to study harder. This external factor adds a layer of obligation and accountability, influencing his actions based on the expectations set by his parents.

These motivations influence Tom’s decision in the following ways:

1. Conflict of Desire: Tom is torn between his internal desire to enjoy time with friends and his internal pressure to excel academically. This conflict causes him anxiety, illustrating how his motivations can create stress.

2. Sense of Responsibility: The external motivation from his parents serves as a compelling reason for Tom to push through his reluctance to study, ultimately leading him to open his textbook. It reflects how external expectations can often override personal desires.

3. Reluctance vs. Commitment: Although Tom is reluctant to study, the combination of both internal and external motivations creates a commitment that drives him forward, highlighting how external pressures can sometimes help us stay disciplined.

Ultimately, these motivations shape Tom's decision to study, illustrating the complex interplay between personal desires and external obligations.