Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding
Published on: October 11, 2018
Providing choice enhances reading motivation
Amrita Bains1,2, Carina Spaulding3, Jessie Ricketts1
1Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Surrey, UK.
None:
Multiple literacy programmes embed a choice of reading material into their programmes, as this is believed to enhance motivation for reading. Yet, this practice has not been experimentally evaluated. Is choice effective at boosting reading motivation? Is the nature of choice provided important? Using a new experimental paradigm to tap reading motivation, we assessed whether reading enjoyment and willingness to pay for books were influenced by having: (a) a choice of book; or (b) a choice of book genre. Having choice increased both reading enjoyment and the amount participants were willing to pay for books. Our results show that choice boosts enjoyment for reading. This has implications for the design of literacy programmes, indicating that incorporating choice in such programmes is beneficial.
Related Concept Videos
Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation
Group Design
Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation
The theory differentiates between...
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...
Framing Effects
Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...

