_______________________ is an individual’s direction of behavior, intensity of effort, and persistence toward the attainment of a set goal.

The term that fills in the blank is "motivation."

Motivation refers to the internal processes that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors. It is a crucial factor that influences how an individual directs their energy and resources toward achieving specific objectives. There are various theories surrounding motivation, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which suggests that individuals are motivated by fulfilling a series of needs, beginning with basic physical needs and moving towards self-actualization.

Motivation can be intrinsic, arising from personal satisfaction or interest in the task itself, or extrinsic, driven by external rewards or recognition. Understanding motivation is vital not just in personal development, but also in educational and workplace settings, as it plays a key role in encouraging performance, improving self-discipline, and enhancing persistence in reaching goals.