Overjustification Effect

Our tendency to become less intrinsically motivated to partake in an activity that we used to enjoy when offered an external incentive such as money or a reward.

#behavior

  1. Santos-Longhurst, A. (2019, February 11). Intrinsic motivation theory: Overview, factors, and examples. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/intrinsic-motivation
  2. Morin, A. (2020, June 28). How does extrinsic motivation influence behavior? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-extrinsic-motivation-2795164
  3. McQueen, P. (2014, June 10). Depression – Motivation and the secrets to getting things done – Part 1 – Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Thrive Wellness Toowoomba. https://www.thrivewellness.com.au/motivation-part-1/
  4. Psychology. (2016, January 21). Overjustification effect. Retrieved September 1, 2020, from https://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/control/overjustification-effect/
  5. Cherry, K. (2020, May 13). Why does the Overjustification effect reduce intrinsic motivation? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-overjustification-effect-2795386#citation-1
  6. Deci, E. L. (1971). Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1), 105-115. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0030644
  7. Murayama, K. (2018, June). The science of motivation. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2018/06/motivation
  8. Explorable. (n.d.). Overjustification effect and the felt tip marker study. Retrieved September 1, 2020, from https://explorable.com/overjustification-effect
  9. Peterson, S. P. (2010). Examining the overjustification effect as a form of incentive contrast (Order No. 1482912). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (815239122). Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/815239122?accountid=14656
  10. Eisenberger, R., Mitchell, M., McDermitt, M., & Masterson, F. A. (1984). Accuracy versus speed in the generalized effort of learning-disabled children. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 42(1), 19-36. https://doi.org/10.1901/jeab.1984.42-19
Examples: