overjustification effect psychology

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14-10-2024

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The Overjustification Effect: When Rewards Can Backfire

Have you ever noticed that activities you once enjoyed seem less appealing after you start getting paid for them? This is a phenomenon known as the overjustification effect, a concept in psychology that explores the impact of external rewards on intrinsic motivation.

What is the Overjustification Effect?

The overjustification effect occurs when an external reward, such as money or praise, is introduced for a behavior that was previously intrinsically motivated. This external reward can lead individuals to focus on the reward itself, rather than the intrinsic satisfaction of the behavior, ultimately diminishing their intrinsic motivation.

The Classic Study: Lepper, Greene, and Nisbett (1973)

One of the most famous studies on the overjustification effect was conducted by Mark Lepper, David Greene, and Richard Nisbett in 1973. They observed children playing with markers. Some children were rewarded for playing with the markers, while others were not. Later, when given free time, the children who had been rewarded for playing were less likely to choose to play with the markers than those who hadn't been rewarded. This study showed that introducing an external reward can decrease intrinsic motivation for a previously enjoyable activity.

Explaining the Overjustification Effect:

• Cognitive Dissonance: One explanation for the overjustification effect is rooted in cognitive dissonance theory. When we are rewarded for something we already enjoy, it can create cognitive dissonance—an uncomfortable feeling of inconsistency—because we feel less like we're doing it for ourselves. To resolve this dissonance, we might devalue the activity itself.
• Focus on External Rewards: The presence of an external reward can shift our focus away from the intrinsic satisfaction of the activity and towards the reward itself. We might start to believe that we're doing the activity for the reward, rather than because we enjoy it.
• Reduced Perceived Autonomy: External rewards can also make us feel less autonomous, as if we're being controlled by someone else. This sense of decreased autonomy can further diminish intrinsic motivation.

Practical Implications:

Understanding the overjustification effect can be useful in a variety of contexts:

• Education: Teachers should be mindful of how extrinsic rewards can impact student motivation. Focusing on intrinsic rewards, like the joy of learning or the satisfaction of accomplishment, may be more effective in the long run.
• Workplace: Managers should consider the potential drawbacks of relying solely on extrinsic rewards like bonuses or raises. Building a positive work environment that fosters intrinsic motivation through meaningful work and autonomy can lead to greater employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Parenting: Parents should be aware of the overjustification effect when motivating children. Instead of always relying on rewards, focusing on intrinsic motivation by providing opportunities for exploration, creativity, and self-discovery can be more effective.

Avoiding the Overjustification Effect:

• Use rewards sparingly: Don't overuse rewards, and use them strategically to reinforce specific behaviors, not to motivate general interest.
• Focus on intrinsic motivation: Highlight the inherent joy and satisfaction of the activity. Encourage curiosity, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment.
• Provide opportunities for choice and autonomy: Allow individuals to make choices about the activities they engage in and how they approach them.

The overjustification effect highlights the complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. By understanding this phenomenon, we can create environments and strategies that foster genuine interest and passion in activities, rather than relying on external rewards that can backfire.

Further Research:

• Exploring the role of culture: How does cultural context influence the overjustification effect?
• Investigating the impact of different types of rewards: How do tangible rewards compare to intangible rewards like praise or recognition?
• Developing strategies to counteract the overjustification effect: Are there interventions that can help maintain intrinsic motivation in the face of external rewards?

References:

• Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the 'overjustification' hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28(1), 129-137. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1391432