Overjustification Effect

Definition

The overjustification effect refers to a psychological phenomenon where providing external rewards for an activity that is already intrinsically motivating can lead to a decrease in the individual's intrinsic motivation. This effect occurs when the external rewards overshadow the internal satisfaction derived from the activity, causing individuals to attribute their actions to the rewards rather than their personal interest. This can significantly impact motivation and engagement in various contexts, especially when discussing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The overjustification effect suggests that when external incentives are introduced for an already enjoyable task, individuals may lose interest in the task once the rewards are removed.
2. Research has shown that children who receive rewards for playing with toys they initially enjoyed may stop playing with those toys when the rewards cease.
3. The overjustification effect highlights the importance of finding a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to maintain engagement and enthusiasm.
4. In educational settings, reliance on grades or prizes can lead to students becoming less interested in learning for its own sake.
5. This effect can have long-term consequences on behavior, as individuals may begin to rely solely on external rewards rather than fostering their intrinsic interests.

Review Questions

• How does the overjustification effect illustrate the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
  • The overjustification effect highlights how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can interact in complex ways. When external rewards are introduced for activities that individuals already find enjoyable, it can lead to decreased intrinsic motivation. This happens because individuals start attributing their actions to the rewards instead of their inherent interest in the activity, showcasing how external incentives can undermine personal motivation.
• Discuss how the overjustification effect might influence educational practices and student engagement.
  • In educational settings, the overjustification effect emphasizes the potential drawbacks of relying heavily on extrinsic motivators like grades or prizes. When students become accustomed to performing tasks solely for rewards, their intrinsic motivation for learning may diminish. Educators need to foster a love for learning by encouraging exploration and curiosity instead of focusing solely on external validation, thus helping students develop a more profound connection with their studies.
• Evaluate the implications of the overjustification effect on long-term motivation strategies in both academic and non-academic settings.
  • The implications of the overjustification effect suggest that long-term motivation strategies should prioritize nurturing intrinsic interests while being mindful of how extrinsic rewards are applied. In both academic and non-academic settings, using excessive external incentives can lead to a reliance on them, resulting in diminished engagement once these rewards are removed. Effective strategies should aim to create environments that enhance intrinsic motivation by promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness, ultimately leading to more sustained motivation and fulfillment across various activities.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation:

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its own sake, driven by personal satisfaction or interest rather than external rewards.

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic motivation involves performing an activity to obtain external rewards or avoid negative outcomes, such as money, praise, or recognition.

Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes, which can affect motivation and behavior.