Less Is More: Why Small Rewards Are Best
Understanding the Overjustification Effect and Its Impact on Motivation
Have you ever wondered if offering children external rewards for positive behaviors, like being kind or completing a task, could actually have unintended consequences? The concept of the overjustification effect sheds light on this question, showing that rewards might undermine intrinsic motivation if not handled carefully. Let's explore how this psychological phenomenon works, its effects on children's behavior, and how we can design rewarding experiences that support, rather than diminish, intrinsic motivation.
What Is the Overjustification Effect?
The overjustification effect happens when children receive an external reward (like praise, stickers, or prizes) for an activity they already find intrinsically rewarding. Over time, this external reward can replace the child’s internal motivation to engage in the activity. Essentially, the child starts to think they’re doing the task for the reward, not because they enjoy it.
The Theory Behind the Overjustification Effect
To understand why the overjustification effect occurs, we can turn to a few psychological theories:
Self-Perception Theory: This theory suggests that people often assess their behavior based on external cues. If children receive rewards for something they already enjoy, they might start to view their behavior as being motivated by the reward, rather than their own intrinsic enjoyment or values.
Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET): CET posits that external rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation by reducing autonomy—a key ingredient in fostering self-motivated behavior. When children are rewarded for tasks that they would typically engage in out of their own interest (like helping others), it can create a feeling of control, making them act out of obligation rather than genuine interest.
Key Study: Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett (1973)
One of the most well-known studies on the overjustification effect was conducted by Lepper, Greene, and Nisbett (1973). The researchers observed children who were intrinsically motivated to draw and then offered them an external reward for their drawings. The results showed that children who were given a reward for drawing lost interest in the activity once the reward was no longer available.
This finding highlighted a crucial point: the overjustification effect is particularly strong when external rewards are introduced for an activity children already enjoy.
However, the study also revealed an important nuance: the reward's size matters. When the reward is perceived as small or insignificant, it doesn’t have the same negative impact on intrinsic motivation. This is a crucial takeaway for anyone looking to use rewards as part of their behavioral strategies.
The Size of the Reward Matters: Why Small Rewards Are Different
The Lepper et al. study showed that the overjustification effect is less pronounced when the external reward is small. Why? Because small rewards do not overshadow the child’s intrinsic motivation to complete the task. When rewards are small or symbolic, such as a sticker or a small token for doing something kind, children are less likely to see the reward as the reason they performed the behavior. Instead, they’re more likely to maintain their intrinsic drive because the reward feels less like an expectation and more like a bonus.
In contrast, when the reward is large or highly valued (such as money or a big prize), children may begin to see their behavior as driven by the reward, not their natural enjoyment or intrinsic values.
How to Encourage Positive Behavior Without Diminishing Motivation
Use Small, Symbolic Rewards
Instead of offering large rewards for positive behaviors, consider using small tokens like stickers or certificates. These rewards acknowledge the behavior but don’t overpower the child’s intrinsic motivation.Focus on the Importance of the Task
In your activity, emphasize the value of the behavior itself, rather than the reward. For instance, when children help others or show kindness, remind them that their actions have a meaningful impact.Praise Effort, Not Just Outcome
Encourage children by praising their effort and the positive behavior, rather than just the result. For example, instead of saying, "Great job, you're so smart!" try, "I can tell you really tried your best and stayed focused, even when it got hard!”. (ONE OF MY FAVORITE TIPS!!)Keep Rewards Optional/Scattered
Make the rewards optional or only introduce them sometimes.
Key Takeaway
The overjustification effect reminds us that external rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation if used too frequently or if they are too large. However, when rewards are small and serve as just a symbol of acknowledgment, they do not diminish intrinsic motivation and can even enhance it. By focusing on the intrinsic value of the tasks, such as helping others or learning new things, we can help children develop self-motivated behavior that lasts long after the rewards are gone.
References
Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children’s intrinsic interest with extrinsic rewards: A test of the “overjustification” hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28(1), 129–137.
