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The interactive effect of external rewards and self-determined choice on memory
Jingming Xue1,2, Ting Jiang2, Chuansheng Chen3
1CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
Psychological Research
|March 4, 2023
Summary
External monetary rewards reduce the impact of self-determined choice on memory performance. This study reveals how external and internal motivators interact to influence memory and learning.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Both external incentives (e.g., monetary rewards) and internal incentives (e.g., self-determined choice) are known to enhance memory.
- However, the interaction between these two types of motivation on memory remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how performance-dependent monetary rewards influence the choice effect on memory performance.
- To examine the interactive effects of external rewards and self-determined choice on learning and memory.
Main Methods:
- A study with 108 participants (N=108) utilized a modified choice paradigm.
- Manipulated levels of performance-dependent monetary rewards.
- Assessed 1-day delayed memory performance.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a significant interaction between monetary reward and self-determined choice on memory.
- The choice effect on memory performance was diminished in the presence of external monetary rewards.
Conclusions:
- External monetary incentives can attenuate the positive effects of self-determined choice on memory.
- Understanding the interplay between external and internal motivators is crucial for optimizing learning and memory strategies.
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