Ever feel like a task is dull or unappealing just because you are required to do it? The overjustification effect is best explained with the example of reading a specific novel needed and saying, “I would love this book if I didn’t have to read it for class. By having to do something, it can be perceived as less enjoyable than if it weren’t required of them (Gruman et al, 2017).
This can be a common phenomenon in college students. Based on studies of the overjustification effect, contingent rewards may have significant influence. Wimperis and Farr (1979) conducted a study where both contingent and noncontingent reward systems were tested. Their results concluded that being rewarded regardless of performance may be the leading cause behind the overjustification. Intrinsic motivation in comparison to external motivation (such as payment for a task) may eliminate the overjustification effect (Gruman et al, 2017).
How can students combat the overjustification effect? Focus on learning, not grades. Having an internal motivation for learning new information in comparison to an external motivation like good grades or better pay helps combat a decline in enthusiasm during courses. Focusing on internal interests will help reduce the overjustification effect (Gruman et al, 2017).
Wimperis, B. R., & Farr, J. L. (1979). The effects of task content and reward contingency upon task performance and satisfaction. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 9(3), 229-249. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.1979.tb02708.x
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied social psychology: understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Los Angeles ; London ; New Dehli ; Singapore ; Washington DC ; Melbourne: SAGE.
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I have certainly felt the ramifications of the overjustification effect. I had heard that this effect can also be reduced my allowing the students to have a choice in the matter. For example, allowing the students to choose a book from a provided list increases motivation over just assigning a book to read. This goes in line with the statement that internal interests are important; the students can choose topics of greater personal interest to them. If this approach is not feasible, however, what do you propose would be the best way for teachers to increase internal motivation in the students?