Overjustification Effect

Definition

The overjustification effect refers to the phenomenon where providing excessive external incentives for a behavior that is intrinsically motivated leads to a decrease in the intrinsic motivation for that behavior. When individuals receive rewards or recognition for activities they already enjoy, they may start to perceive those activities as less enjoyable and more like chores, thus diminishing their internal drive to engage in them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The overjustification effect highlights the importance of balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, especially in educational and work settings.
2. Research shows that when students are rewarded for tasks they find enjoyable, they may lose interest in those tasks once the rewards are removed.
3. The effect can be particularly strong among children, as their intrinsic motivation is often more easily influenced by external rewards.
4. This phenomenon raises concerns for educators and employers who rely heavily on rewards to motivate individuals, as it can backfire by reducing overall engagement.
5. Understanding the overjustification effect can help in designing better incentive systems that promote long-term interest rather than short-term compliance.

Review Questions

• How does the overjustification effect demonstrate the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
  • The overjustification effect illustrates how extrinsic motivation can undermine intrinsic motivation. When people who initially find joy in an activity are offered external rewards, they may begin to view the activity as a means to an end rather than something they genuinely enjoy. This shift in perception can lead to a decrease in their intrinsic interest, showcasing the delicate balance between these two forms of motivation.
• What implications does the overjustification effect have for educators looking to motivate students?
  • For educators, the overjustification effect serves as a cautionary tale about relying too heavily on external rewards. While incentives can initially boost participation and performance, they may inadvertently decrease students' intrinsic motivation to learn. Therefore, educators should focus on fostering an environment that promotes internal satisfaction from learning itself, using rewards sparingly and strategically to enhance rather than diminish engagement.
• Analyze how the overjustification effect could impact workplace environments and employee performance.
  • In workplace environments, the overjustification effect can significantly influence employee performance and job satisfaction. When employees are given excessive external rewards for tasks they initially enjoy, it might shift their perception of these tasks from fulfilling activities to mere obligations tied to compensation. This change can lead to reduced creativity and enthusiasm, potentially stifling innovation. Therefore, organizations need to strike a balance by creating conditions that nurture intrinsic motivation while still recognizing and rewarding performance appropriately.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation: The motivation to engage in an activity for its own sake, deriving enjoyment or satisfaction from the activity itself rather than from external rewards.

Extrinsic Motivation: The motivation to perform a behavior due to external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or avoidance of negative consequences.

Cognitive Dissonance: The psychological discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or attitudes, often leading individuals to change their attitudes or behaviors to resolve the inconsistency.