<p>This effect has been termed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overjustification_effect">Overjustification effect</a> and was originally reported by Lepper, Greene &amp; Nisbett (1973) who studied the influence of rewards on intrinsic motivated behavior.</p>

<p>Some theories hypothesize that the reward reduces the feeling of self-determination, which in turn reduces intrinsic motivation, because the reward induces the feeling of being controlled by the person that offered the reward. </p>

<p><strong>References</strong></p>

<p>Lepper MR, Greene D, Nisbett RE (1973). Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the 'overjustification' hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 28 (1): 129–137. doi:10.1037/h0035519.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-29T22:56:25.280Z
As a reference, I would like to add the cognitivie evaluation theory (Deci) and Motivation Crowding Theory (Frey)
Yorgos
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-10-23T12:15:10.613Z
This answer might need to be qualified in order to take into account [this is not _always_ the case](https://psychology.stackexchange.com/questions/4211/why-does-extrinsic-motivation-sometimes-reduce-intrinsic-motivation#comment39798_4211).
Steven Jeuris
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-08-14T13:34:28.623Z
2013-08-14T13:34:28.623Z
H.Muster
<p>Why is it that if a person likes subject X but then when he gets paid for it he doesnt like it anymore. What causes this?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-10-23T12:13:41.443Z
While this might be the case in some cases (you do not cite what this assumption is based on, so -1), it is important to note this is not always the case! In addition to [the answer provided by H.Muster](https://psychology.stackexchange.com/a/4212/21), be certain to check out the ['Controversy'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overjustification_effect#Controversy) section on the linked Wikipedia page. E.g., _"In fact, a 2001 meta-analysis showed that rewards can increase intrinsic motivation for tasks that initially hold little intrinsic interest."_
Steven Jeuris
<motivation>
Why does extrinsic motivation sometimes reduce intrinsic motivation?
prerer
# Why does extrinsic motivation sometimes reduce intrinsic motivation?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-08-14)

Why is it that if a person likes subject X but then when he gets paid for it he doesnt like it anymore. What causes this?

**Tags:** motivation

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: While this might be the case in some cases (you do not cite what this assumption is based on, so -1), it is important to note this is not always the case! In addition to [the answer provided by username_2](https://psychology.stackexchange.com/a/4212/21), be certain to check out the ['Controversy'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overjustification_effect#Controversy) section on the linked Wikipedia page. E.g., _"In fact, a 2001 meta-analysis showed that rewards can increase intrinsic motivation for tasks that initially hold little intrinsic interest."_  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2013-08-14. Score: 10

This effect has been termed [Overjustification effect](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overjustification_effect) and was originally reported by Lepper, Greene & Nisbett (1973) who studied the influence of rewards on intrinsic motivated behavior.

Some theories hypothesize that the reward reduces the feeling of self-determination, which in turn reduces intrinsic motivation, because the reward induces the feeling of being controlled by the person that offered the reward.

**References**

Lepper MR, Greene D, Nisbett RE (1973). Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the 'overjustification' hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 28 (1): 129–137. doi:10.1037/h0035519.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: As a reference, I would like to add the cognitivie evaluation theory (Deci) and Motivation Crowding Theory (Frey)  
> **username_1**: This answer might need to be qualified in order to take into account [this is not _always_ the case](https://psychology.stackexchange.com/questions/4211/why-does-extrinsic-motivation-sometimes-reduce-intrinsic-motivation#comment39798_4211).  

---

