Effects of reward on intrinsic motivation - Negative, neutral, and positive: Comment on Deci, Koestner, and Ryan (1999)

Meta-analyses indicated that rewards increase perceived self-determination and that rewards' effects on intrinsic motivation depend on the performance requirement. Reward for meeting vague performance standards reduced the su bsequent choice to carry out the task and did not affect self-reported inte rest. Reward for meeting absolute performance standards did not affect free choice but increased self-reported interest. Reward for exceeding others i ncreased both free choice and self-reported interest. Applied studies commo nly found positive or null relationships between reward and intrinsic motiv ation. The findings suggest that reward procedures requiring ill-defined or minimal performance convey task triviality, thereby decreasing intrinsic m otivation. Reward procedures requiring specific high task performance conve y a task's personal or social significance, increasing intrinsic motivation .