Rewards are a powerful tool for motivating behavior, whether you’re trying to teach a child to complete their homework, encouraging healthier habits, or even training animals. But how exactly do rewards work, and what are the best ways to use them effectively? Let’s dive into the science behind rewards and explore how they can be harnessed to drive positive change.
The Basics of Reward
At its core, a reward is a desirable outcome that follows a specific behavior. When we reward a behavior, it becomes more likely to be repeated. This principle, known as Thorndike’s law of effect, explains why rewarding behaviors leads to their adoption, while punishing behaviors discourages them. It’s not always about rational thinking—sometimes, even irrational behaviors (like wearing the same red thong for months because it seemed “lucky”) persist due to perceived rewards.
The concept of shaping behavior is particularly fascinating. By rewarding small steps toward a desired behavior, we can guide individuals—or even animals—to adopt complex actions over time. For example, B.F. Skinner famously demonstrated this by nurturing an appreciation for art in a college student who initially cared little about paintings. Through subtle reinforcements like attention and small monetary rewards, the student eventually bought his first piece of art.
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Rewards
Rewards come in two main forms: extrinsic and intrinsic.
- Extrinsic rewards are external incentives, such as money, grades, or tokens. These are useful for shaping new behaviors but aren’t inherently tied to the activity itself. For instance, musicians might receive payment for playing music, but the act of creating music isn’t dependent on financial gain.
- Intrinsic rewards, on the other hand, stem from within. They’re the joy and satisfaction people derive directly from an activity. A musician might play simply because they love the process, regardless of whether anyone pays them.
Both types of rewards have their place. Extrinsic rewards are great for initiating behavior change, especially when intrinsic motivation is lacking. However, fostering intrinsic motivation often leads to longer-lasting engagement. Activities that promote autonomy, competence, and social connection tend to tap into our innate psychological needs, making them naturally motivating.
How to Use Rewards Effectively
- Start Small and Build Gradually
One of the most effective strategies is breaking down goals into achievable steps. Just as a chick learns to face away from a fence through incremental rewards, humans benefit from small wins that build momentum. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start by rewarding yourself for walking just 10 extra minutes a day. Over time, increase the challenge as your confidence grows. - Reward the Right Behaviors
Precision matters. If you’re teaching Spanish, don’t reward students for selecting answers from a list if your ultimate goal is for them to produce those words independently. Instead, design activities that encourage the exact behavior you want to reinforce. Open-ended responses often work better than multiple-choice questions for this reason. - Use Secondary Reinforcers Ethically
While primary reinforcers like food and affection are powerful, they can feel coercive in certain contexts. Secondary reinforcers—such as points, badges, or verbal praise—are more practical and ethical options. For example, many educational apps use token economies, where users earn points for completing tasks and later exchange these points for privileges or enhancements. - Create Engaging Environments
Video games excel at combining extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. They offer points, levels, and visual feedback while also providing narratives, customization options, and challenges tailored to the player’s skill level. Borrowing from this playbook, educators and employers can gamify mundane tasks to make them more appealing. Imagine a call center where employees earn virtual achievements for handling calls efficiently! - Avoid Short-Term Fixes
Be cautious about inadvertently reinforcing undesirable behaviors. Giving candy to stop a child from crying might seem effective in the moment, but it teaches the child that crying yields treats—a lesson that could backfire later. Similarly, paying too much attention to misbehaving students can unintentionally reward their disruptive actions.
Risks to Keep in Mind
While rewards are undeniably effective, they’re not without risks. Offering external rewards for activities that are already intrinsically motivating can diminish natural interest. For instance, children who loved drawing lost enthusiasm when promised a certificate for their efforts. Additionally, focusing solely on rewards can narrow cognitive focus, stifling creativity and exploration.
Another potential pitfall is dependency. People can become overly reliant on rewards, leading to issues like excessive gaming or compulsive behaviors. If someone’s reliance on rewards interferes with daily functioning, professional help may be necessary.
Real-World Applications
Consider fitness trackers, which automatically log physical activity and provide badges for reaching milestones like 5,000 steps in a day. As users progress, the system gradually increases the requirements for earning rewards, keeping participants engaged through variable reinforcement. This approach combines shaping techniques with the unpredictability of rewards, driving sustained effort.
On the flip side, poorly implemented reward systems can lead to unintended consequences. Picture a classroom where students inadvertently shape their teacher’s behavior by responding only when she raises her voice. Such scenarios highlight the importance of clarity and consistency in applying rewards.
Final Thoughts
Rewards are a double-edged sword. When used thoughtfully, they can inspire meaningful behavior changes and foster a love for learning. However, they must be applied strategically to avoid undermining intrinsic motivation or stifling creativity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or manager, understanding the nuances of reward-based motivation can help you create environments that empower others to thrive.