Abstract for:A structural model on how gamification can leverage intrinsic motivation in education

In the course of evolution, humans have developed two modes of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is driven by rewards and punishments from the environment. Intrinsic motivation is driven by factors such as autonomy, mastery and social connectedness. The premise of this study is that maximising intrinsic motivation significantly facilitates learning and long-term academic performance. This study (1) develops a quantitative, structural hypothesis of motivation with time as a dimension, in the form of a system dynamics model. The structural hypothesis is used to (2) identify the most efficient way of maintaining intrinsic motivational, (3) optimise feedback mechanisms (both the nature and duration between feedback interventions) over time and with gamification. The unique contribution of the study is the first structural description of motivation over time as well as the identification of leverage points to use during gamified learning processes.