In cognitive psychology, the overjustification effect describes a shift in motivation where the introduction of an external incentive, such as money or prizes, paradoxically diminishes a person's intrinsic desire to perform a task. Initially, an individual might engage in an activity—like writing poetry or playing an instrument—solely for the inherent satisfaction it provides. However, when external rewards are systematically tied to the behavior, the individual begins to attribute their participation to the external compensation rather than their own interest. If these rewards are subsequently discontinued, the individual's motivation often plunges below their original baseline, leading them to abandon the activity entirely. The promise of gain ultimately replaces, and then extinguishes, the internal drive that initially prompted the action.
Which of the following situations is most analogous to the psychological phenomenon described in the passage?
- AA graphic designer who is hired to create a logo for a high salary finds that, over time, she begins to enjoy the creative process so much that she continues working on the design even after the contract ends.
- BA restaurant manager who notices that employees dislike cleaning duties begins offering cash bonuses for the task, which temporarily improves performance but fails to change the employees' underlying negative attitude toward the work.
- A cafe owner who had showcased a local artist's paintings out of admiration begins accepting monthly display fees from the artist, but then removes the artwork entirely once the fees stop.Answer
- DA professional musician who plays the violin in a prestigious orchestra receives a steady salary but chooses to practice extra hours solely to perfect her technique for an upcoming performance.