opposite ends of the spectrum (2024)

I wrote the following to describe extrinsic and intrinsic motivations.

Extrinsic and intrinsic motivations represent opposite ends of the spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is the drive to act in anticipation of an external reward－tangible (physical) or intangible (mental, emotional, or social). At the other end, learners are driven to perform a behavior that originates from needs, wants, or desires within the individual.

And a little bird told me that the term spectrum is NOT appropriate here as there seem to be two options, and that we say a spectrum when there are a range of options. But here there are only two, so we need not use the term spectrum.

What do you think? If that's true, could you please give me some examples how I can use

... opposite ends of the spectrum ... At one end of the spectrum... At the other end, ...

in a paragraph? Thank you

Motivation can be any combination of some degree of the two extremes. "Spectrum" is the normal word to use in discussing such a range of behaviours.

I suggest that you shoot the little bird.

I am not sure that intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are binary alternatives. I don't know how these are treated conceptually by academic specialists in that field, but I think that in "real life" people are motivated by a mixture of them.

Political opinion is a good example of where "spectrum" would definitely be appropriate.

In some ways, communism and fascism are at opposite ends of the political spectrum, with social democracy somewhere in the middle.

Crossed.

Andygc said:

Motivation can be any combination of some degree of the two extremes. "Spectrum" is the normal word to use in discussing such a range of behaviours.

I suggest that you shoot the little bird.

Click to expand...

I see! Thank you so much, Andygc

So are you saying that I have used all the bold phrases correctly? Thank you

Extrinsic and intrinsic motivations represent opposite ends of the spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is the drive to act in anticipation of an external reward－tangible (physical) or intangible (mental, emotional, or social). At the other end, learners are driven to perform a behavior that originates from needs, wants, or desires within the individual.

Linkway said:

I am not sure that intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are binary alternatives. I don't know how these are treated conceptually by academic specialists in that field, but I think that in "real life" people are motivated by a mixture of them.

Political opinion is a good example of where "spectrum" would definitely be appropriate.

In some ways, communism and fascism are at opposite ends of the political spectrum, with social democracy somewhere in the middle.

Crossed.

Click to expand...

Thanks so much for your example, Linkway! But how would you add At one end of the spectrum and At the other end in your sentence? Thank you

Chinese Su said:

Thanks so much for your example, Linkway! But how would you add At one end of the spectrum and At the other end in your sentence?

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There is a very wide range of economic well-being in China, America and Europe - millionaires are at one end of the spectrum and many refugees at the other (end of the spectrum).

Linkway said:

There is a very wide range of economic well-being in China, America and Europe - millionaires are at one end of the spectrum and many refugees at the other (end of the spectrum).

Click to expand...

Many thanks for your example, Linkway! I've got a better picture

But do you think it's possible to use 'opposite ends of the spectrum', 'At one end of the spectrum', and 'At the other end' at the same time? (like the following) Thank you

Extrinsic and intrinsic motivations represent opposite ends of the spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is the drive to act in anticipation of an external reward－tangible (physical) or intangible (mental, emotional, or social). At the other end, learners are driven to perform a behavior that originates from needs, wants, or desires within the individual.

Andygc said:

Motivation can be any combination of some degree of the two extremes. "Spectrum" is the normal word to use in discussing such a range of behaviours.

Click to expand...

Andygc said:

Your use of "ends/end of the spectrum" throughout your text is perfectly normal English.

Click to expand...

I see, Andygc! Thank you so much for your confirmation