Effects of Monetary Rewards and Verbal Praise on Intrinsic Motivation: a Replication Addressing Specific Confounds Present in Earlier Research

Authors

Santino C. Gaitan, Brigham Young University
Dr. Michael B. Ehlert, Brigham Young University

Keywords

monetary rewards, verbal praise, intrinsic motivation

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Over the past thirty years a significant body of research has been developed examining the effects that tangible rewards such as money have on intrinsic motivation. Intrinsically motivated behavior consists of behavior that cannot be readily attributed to external factors. Examples could include reading, hunting, and working crossword puzzles. Much of this research has suggested that tangible rewards have a detrimental effect on intrinsic motivation that results in a decrease in such behavior. Conversely, this same research suggests that intangible rewards, such as verbal praise, have a beneficial effect. Nevertheless, these differential effects have been widely criticized and a not insubstantial amount of experimental evidence seems to contradict these findings. Many of the criticisms on both sides of the issue can be ascribed to theoretical differences and consequently are difficult to resolve, given that differing base assumptions will almost invariably result in intractable debates. However, some of the criticisms have been methodological in nature, i.e., fault has been found in the experimental methods and setup used to investigate the issue.

Recommended Citation

Gaitan, Santino C. and Ehlert, Dr. Michael B. (2014) "Effects of Monetary Rewards and Verbal Praise on Intrinsic Motivation: a Replication Addressing Specific Confounds Present in Earlier Research," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 343.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/343