What are extrinsic rewards primarily characterized by?

Extrinsic rewards are primarily characterized by valued outcomes that are provided by others, which is why the choice regarding valued outcomes is the correct answer. These rewards often come from external sources and can take various forms, such as bonuses, pay raises, praise, or other tangible benefits that individuals receive as a result of their performance or behaviors.

The emphasis is on the fact that these rewards are not derived from an individual's internal satisfaction or feelings of achievement but rather from something outside of themselves. For example, an employee might be motivated to meet their sales targets not solely for personal fulfillment but to receive a financial bonus or recognition from their employer.

In contrast, personal feelings of competency and self-derived satisfaction are often associated with intrinsic motivation, where the rewards of an action arise from within the individual. Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in activities because they are enjoyable or fulfilling, rather than for an external reward. Therefore, while all options describe elements linked to motivation and rewards, the distinguishing feature of extrinsic rewards is their dependence on external validation or compensation from others.