The Impact of Extrinsic Rewards on Intrinsic Motivation During a Competitive Drawing Activity

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Motivational Processes Related to Goals, Emotions, Interest, and Self-Regulation

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between rewards, interest, and intrinsic motivation in fifth grade students (N = 159) during a competitive superhero drawing activity. Initial interest, post-interest, and free time activity choice were used to examine the impact of extrinsic rewards in three experimental conditions: control, unannounced rewards, and promised rewards. Results indicate that activity interest and intrinsic motivation were not impacted by unannounced rewards, promised rewards, or the receipt of rewards. Initial activity interest was also found to predict students’ continuation of drawing in the control and unannounced rewards conditions, but not in the promised rewards condition. Findings and additional interview data pending analysis are discussed.

Authors

• Daniell DiFrancesca, North Carolina State University

• John L. Nietfeld, North Carolina State University

• Margareta Maria Thomson, North Carolina State University