Which statement best reflects the belief about motivation in the material?

Which statement best reflects the belief about motivation in the material?

• A. People are motivated only by altruism
• B. People are motivated by self-interest more than altruism
• C. People are motivated by external rewards only
• D. People are not motivated by anything

Answer: (B)

Motivation in this material is described as driven largely by personal gain rather than purely selfless motives. Actions are explained as aiming to maximize expected benefits for the individual—such as resources, status, or future opportunities—even when helping others. Altruism may appear, but the dominant view emphasizes self-interest as playing the larger role. This aligns with ideas like rational choice or incentive-based thinking, where internal satisfaction and reputational benefits are part of the personal payoff. The other statements are too absolute or narrow: external rewards aren’t the only motivator, pure altruism isn’t the sole driver, and it isn’t claimed that nobody is motivated at all.

Motivation in this material is described as driven largely by personal gain rather than purely selfless motives. Actions are explained as aiming to maximize expected benefits for the individual—such as resources, status, or future opportunities—even when helping others. Altruism may appear, but the dominant view emphasizes self-interest as playing the larger role. This aligns with ideas like rational choice or incentive-based thinking, where internal satisfaction and reputational benefits are part of the personal payoff. The other statements are too absolute or narrow: external rewards aren’t the only motivator, pure altruism isn’t the sole driver, and it isn’t claimed that nobody is motivated at all.