Final answer:
Intrinsically motivated behavior is influenced by the need to feel autonomous and competent, rather than being driven by external factors such as rewards or recognition.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to self-determination theory, behavior that is intrinsically motivated is influenced by the need to feel autonomous and competent. Intrinsic motivation refers to the personal satisfaction one gets from engaging in an activity, not influenced by external rewards such as money, prizes, or social recognition.
Self-efficacy, as proposed by Albert Bandura, relates to an individual's belief in their ability to complete a task, which strongly influences motivation. Behaviors are not driven by the need to meet external rewards, fulfill social expectations, or gain recognition from others, which all describe extrinsic motivation rather than intrinsic. Instead, intrinsically motivated behaviors are performed for internal satisfaction and are linked to an individual's basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as outlined by researchers Niemiec and Ryan.