The neuroscience of emotion and intrinsic motivation

The core theme of this chapter focuses on the existing neuroscience evidence of emotion and intrinsic motivation. Based on the review of this evidence, the chapter outlines the roles of emotion and motivation in learning and cognition, as well as their neural and behavioral evidence in relation to the context of learning. With the evidence of relevant neuroscience studies, this chapter attempts to bring neuroscience evidence between emotion and intrinsic motivation, in relation to cognitive control and executive function that are prevalent in learning. Together with the theories of emotion and motivation, the existing neuroscience research could shed light on the attributes that are ascribed to basic emotions such as anxiety. As behavioral patterns are paralleled by the activation of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and striatum-MPFC during adolescence, the application of neuroscience evidence could reveal relationships between neural correlates and their functions that are central to anxiety and intrinsic motivation. Understanding the neuroscience research in emotion and cognition may reveal the underlying mechanism that is not observable using behavioral measures alone. Therefore, neuroscience data may serve the basis for innovations in education and future interventions. Implications and future research direction with respect to the educational practice and policy are included as well.