Overjustification Effect
Definition
This occurs when an expected external incentive such as money or prizes decreases a person's intrinsic motivation to perform a task.
Analogy
Imagine if someone started paying you to read your favorite book. At first, you might be thrilled, but over time, you might start reading just for the payment and not because you enjoy the story. That's the overjustification effect.
Related terms
Cognitive Evaluation Theory: This theory suggests that there are two motivation systems; intrinsic and extrinsic which correspond to two kinds of motivators.
Self-Perception Theory: The theory suggests that people develop attitudes by observing their own behavior and concluding what attitudes must have caused it.
Deci Effect: Named after Edward Deci who found through his studies that when money is used as an external reward for some activity, the subjects lose intrinsic interest for the activity.
"Overjustification Effect" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- What is the primary reason for the overjustification effect?
- How does the overjustification effect, a theory of motivation, pose ethical concerns in psychological practices?
Resources
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