Premium
The effects of extrinsic reinforcement on intrinsic motivation
Author(s) -
Blocker Richard A.,
Edwards R. P.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
psychology in the schools
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1520-6807
pISSN - 0033-3085
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6807(198204)19:2<260::aid-pits2310190222>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - deci , psychology , attribution , reinforcement , cognition , cognitive psychology , phenomenon , cognitive evaluation theory , extant taxon , token economy , social psychology , self determination theory , autonomy , epistemology , neuroscience , philosophy , evolutionary biology , political science , law , biology
In this paper, the role of extrinsic reinforcement in intrinsic motivation is discussed in terms of Deci's cognitive attribution theory. The competing response hypothesis and the frustration hypothesis are presented as alternative modes of analysis. “Undermining” is the phenomenon proposed by the cognitive attribution theorists that accounts for reported decrements in intrinsically motivated behaviors following external rewards. The literature regarding undermining in token economy research is critically evaluated. The author concludes that: (a) Cognitive attribution theory lacks parsimony, in that extant reinforcement analysis can account for undermining with equal facility. (b) Undermining is of little significance as a concept, due to its elusive and transient impact on operant behavior.