Motivation drives our decisions. Past research finds that external rewards (like money, food, praise) can control behavior, as rewards motivate. However, external rewards affect intrinsic motivation, that is, liking the activity in itself. Prior studies suggest that External Rewards lower intrinsic motivation. However, researchers wanted to investigate if an external reward like verbal praise can provide an affirmation of competence, and thus enhance intrinsic motivation, while external rewards decrease people’s taking responsibility to regulate themselves.

128 previous studies confirmed that extrinsic tangible rewards, were seen as controlling and undermined free-choice intrinsic motivation, more for children than college students. However, verbal rewards, such as positive feedback, enhanced both free choice and intrinsic motivation more for college students, than children.  

Whether in work, family, or school, intrinsic motivation can bring benefits to the entire environment.  Limit external rewards. Instead, when seeing good work, affirm competencies: “You nailed it!” But be specific, like “Your speaking up shows leadership.” For children: Be specific in praise but permit fun play upon completing tasks to give the child some control.

Written by Vanessa Melendez, B.S. 

Reference: Deci, Edward L., Koestner, Richard, & Ryan, Richard M. (1999). A Meta-Analytic Review of Experiments Examining the Effects of Extrinsic Rewards on Intrinsic Motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125, 6, 627-668.