Final answer:
Bob's behavior exemplifies intrinsic motivation and self-regulation as he is motivated by personal interest and enjoyment, and he effectively manages his own goals and challenges without external incentives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bob's Approach to Work and Motivation:
The description of Bob's work ethic and approach to tasks is a clear example of intrinsic motivation and self-regulation. Bob selects tasks based on his interests and personal challenges, making sure they are not too difficult or too easy, which suggests that he is motivated by internal factors such as interest in the task and enjoyment of the challenge. He sets his own goals and is typically successful in achieving them, demonstrating a high level of self-regulation and self-efficacy.
Unlike extrinsic motivation which is driven by external rewards such as money or praise, intrinsic motivation comes from within an individual, fostering engagement in an activity for the personal gratification it provides, independent of external rewards. Furthermore, a healthy level of self-regulation allows an individual to manage their own goals and feedback, enhancing goal attainment and maintaining motivation over time.
Research has shown that intrinsic motivation can be undermined by extrinsic rewards, a phenomenon known as the overjustification effect. However, in Bob's case, his choice of tasks and setting of reasonable goals reflect his underlying intrinsic motivation and self-regulatory skills, which align with the theories that highlight the importance of a learner's autonomy and control over their learning environment to sustain intrinsic motivation.