Final answer:
The component of motivation which pertains to the amount of effort applied to achieve a target is referred to as intensity. It is distinct from the motivational components of direction, persistence, and cognition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degree to which people put forth effort to achieve their target refers to the intensity component of motivation. Intensity is about the amount of effort one invests in a particular task to reach an objective. Intensity is a measure of the amount of energy or vigor an individual puts into pursuing a goal. It is closely related to the level of enthusiasm, drive, and determination a person has in achieving their target. It is different from the direction, which is related to the path a person chooses to take, or persistence, which is the continuation of effort over time despite challenges. Cognition, on the other hand, involves the mental processes that occur when an individual is motivated, such as planning and problem-solving.