Researchers examined how reward timing influenced intrinsic motivation. Though experts are divided on whether extrinsic rewards have a beneficial or negative effect on intrinsic motivation, a recent study showed that rewards may actually encourage intrinsic motivation when given early in a task.
The overjustification effect has inspired an entire field of study that focuses on students and how to help them reach their full potential.
Some people also perceive extrinsic reinforcement as coercion or bribery. The rewards may lose their value when you reward behavior that was already intrinsically motivating. Extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation when used in certain situations or used too often. Some people are more intrinsically motivated by a task while another person sees the same activity extrinsically.īoth can be effective, but research suggests that extrinsic rewards should be used sparingly because of the overjustification effect. painting a picture because you feel calm and happy when you paint rather than selling your art to make moneyĮveryone’s different and that includes what motivates us and our perspectives of rewards.taking on more responsibility at work because you enjoy being challenged and feeling accomplished, rather than to get a raise or promotion.going for a run because you find it relaxing or are trying to beat a personal record, not to win a competition.volunteering because you feel content and fulfilled rather than needing it to meet a school or work requirement.exercising because you enjoy physically challenging your body instead of doing it to lose weight or fit into an outfit.playing cards because you enjoy the challenge instead of playing to win money.
cleaning because you enjoy a tidy space rather than doing it to avoid making your spouse angry.spending time with someone because you enjoy their company and not because they can further your social standing.learning a new language because you like experiencing new things, not because your job requires it.participating in a sport because it’s fun and you enjoy it rather than doing it to win an award.Some examples of intrinsic motivation are: You’ve likely experienced examples of intrinsic motivation throughout your entire life without giving it much thought.