A cognitive approach to motivation is an intrinsic form that requires students to think through the consequences of their actions and base their decisions on the expected outcome of those decisions. If students are able to think through the situation at hand and determine the value of success, regardless of whether or not they gain a reward, they are operating under the internal locus of control. Students who are successful in the classroom usually operate under the internal locus of control. They do not put too much weight on mistakes or bad grades and are still able to maintain a level of esteem regardless of failures or successes. They use cognitive tools that allow them to keep a perspective on the perceived failure. They understand that if they do fail, it is probably because they did not study as they should. They do not blame external factors such as the teacher or classmates. They take responsibility for their own actions.
