Research Has Revealed That Extrinsic Rewards Undermine Intrinsic Motivation When they are expected, tangible, and contingent on task performance. This fascinating discovery has significant implications for how we approach motivation in various aspects of life, from education and parenting to the workplace and personal pursuits.
Understanding the Dynamics of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity for its inherent satisfaction, enjoyment, or interest. It’s the feeling of pleasure and fulfillment derived from the activity itself, rather than any external pressure or reward. Think of a child engrossed in building a Lego castle, a musician lost in the melody of their instrument, or an artist captivated by the strokes of their brush.
Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, stems from external factors, such as rewards, praise, deadlines, or the avoidance of punishment. It’s the motivation to perform a task not for the sake of the task itself, but for the consequences that follow. Examples include studying for a good grade, working for a paycheck, or cleaning your room to avoid your parents’ disapproval.
The Overjustification Effect: When Rewards Backfire
Research has shown that offering extrinsic rewards for activities that are already intrinsically motivating can actually decrease intrinsic motivation. This phenomenon is known as the overjustification effect. When we receive an external reward for something we already enjoy doing, we tend to attribute our behavior to the reward rather than our inherent interest. The reward becomes the primary driver, and our intrinsic motivation fades.
For example, imagine a child who loves drawing. If they are suddenly offered a reward for every drawing they complete, they may begin to draw more for the reward than for the sheer joy of creating. If the rewards are then discontinued, the child might lose interest in drawing altogether, as the external motivation is no longer present.
When Do Extrinsic Rewards Work?
While extrinsic rewards can be detrimental to intrinsic motivation in certain situations, they can be effective in other contexts. Research has revealed that extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation when the task is already intrinsically motivating. However, if the task is inherently uninteresting or tedious, extrinsic rewards can provide the necessary incentive to initiate and complete the task.
Applying the Research: Practical Implications
Understanding the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is crucial for effective parenting, teaching, management, and personal development. Instead of relying solely on external rewards, we should strive to cultivate intrinsic motivation by fostering a sense of autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
In the Classroom:
- Focus on creating engaging and challenging learning experiences that tap into students’ natural curiosity.
- Provide opportunities for students to choose their own projects and pursue their individual interests.
- Offer feedback that focuses on effort and progress rather than just grades.
In the Workplace:
- Empower employees by giving them ownership over their work and allowing them to contribute their ideas.
- Create a culture of recognition and appreciation that goes beyond monetary rewards.
- Offer opportunities for professional development and growth.
Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned psychologist specializing in motivation, states, “True motivation comes from within. While extrinsic rewards can be useful tools, they should be used strategically and sparingly to avoid undermining the inherent drive that fuels our passions and pursuits.”
Conclusion
Research has revealed that extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation when they are inappropriately applied to tasks that individuals already find enjoyable. By understanding the nuances of motivation, we can create environments that foster intrinsic drive and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.
FAQ
- What is the overjustification effect?
- How can I foster intrinsic motivation in my child?
- Are extrinsic rewards always bad?
- How can I use rewards effectively in the workplace?
- What are some examples of intrinsic motivators?
- How can I increase my own intrinsic motivation?
- What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
Situations where this question arises:
- A parent wondering why their child has lost interest in a hobby after receiving rewards.
- A teacher trying to understand how to motivate students effectively.
- A manager seeking to improve employee engagement and productivity.
- An individual struggling to find motivation in their personal life.
Related articles:
- The Power of Intrinsic Motivation
- The Science of Motivation
- How to Set Effective Goals
- The Importance of Feedback
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