A child is engaged in an activity that is intrinsically motivating. What effect does an extrinsic reward have on the intrinsic interest of that activity? The extrinsic reward
A) increases the child's intrinsic interest provided the reward is candy.
B) increases the child's interest.
C) decreases the child's interest.
D) has no effect on the child's interest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has shown that introducing extrinsic rewards for an intrinsically motivated activity can actually decrease the child's intrinsic interest in that activity. This is known as the overjustification effect. The child may come to focus on the reward rather than the enjoyment or satisfaction of the activity itself. Thus, the presence of an extrinsic reward can undermine the child's natural motivation and interest in the activity.

A Child Is Engaged in an Activity That Is Intrinsically