Which approach involves exerting control over behavior to influence motivation?

• A. Autonomy Behaviors
• B. Controlling Behaviors
• C. Feedback Timing
• D. Intrinsic Motivation

Answer: (B)

Exerting control over behavior to influence motivation reflects a controlling approach to motivation. When you impose rules, surveillance, deadlines, or external rewards and punishments to shape what people do, you’re directing actions with the aim of steering their motivation. This contrasts with autonomy-supportive strategies, which give people choice, provide meaningful rationale, and acknowledge feelings to nurture intrinsic motivation. It also isn’t about when feedback is given (that’s feedback timing), nor is it describing intrinsic motivation itself, which is motivation that comes from doing the task for its own sake. So the approach that uses control over behavior to influence motivation is Controlling Behaviors.