Do Bribes Work to Increase a Student’s Motivation?

Asked by Anonymous on our Parent Webinar series.

As a parent, you might have wondered whether offering your child external rewards, such as money, treats, or other incentives, could help boost their motivation to study or complete assignments. After all, the idea of a quick reward can seem like an easy solution to get your child motivated - and indeed, it’s how many of us are motivated in the workplace. However, the truth is that external rewards, or "bribes", generally don't work in the long term. In fact, they can be counterproductive. In this article, we’ll explore why external rewards fail to increase motivation in the long run, the difference between external and internal motivation, and how you can help your child develop internal motivation for more sustained success.

1) The Difference Between External Motivation and Internal Motivation

Before delving into the negative effects of external rewards, it's important to understand the difference between the two types of motivation: external motivation and internal motivation.

• External Motivation: This type of motivation comes from external sources—things outside of the individual that encourage action. External rewards include financial incentives, praise, respect, and admiration from others. For example, offering a reward such as money for every good grade on a test, or giving praise only when a task is completed, are examples of external motivation. While these rewards can temporarily encourage a child to act, they do not foster the internal drive required for long-term success.

• Internal Motivation: Internal motivation, on the other hand, comes from within the individual. It is the desire to engage in an activity because of the inherent satisfaction it brings. Internal motivation might stem from the joy of learning, the satisfaction of achieving a goal, or the personal growth experienced from overcoming a challenge. A student who is motivated internally is driven by a sense of accomplishment, mastery, and self-worth, rather than by the prospect of an external reward.

While external rewards can spark short-term engagement, it's the internal motivation that creates a sustainable foundation for long-term success. To foster long-term motivation and learning, it’s important to prioritise and nurture internal sources of drive, rather than relying on external rewards.

2) The Impact of External Rewards on Motivation

While offering rewards might seem like a good way to motivate your child, research shows that external incentives can actually decrease intrinsic motivation and hinder long-term success. This phenomenon is known as the "overjustification effect", and it occurs when people attribute their behaviour to external factors (like rewards) rather than their own internal desires.

• Studies on External Rewards: A well-known study conducted by Deci, Koestner, and Ryan (1999) reviewed over 100 studies on external rewards and intrinsic motivation. They found that rewards such as money, praise, or prizes can significantly reduce intrinsic motivation, especially when the reward is expected or contingent on completing the task. For example, when children are promised a reward for drawing, they tend to enjoy the activity less and are less likely to engage in the activity voluntarily later.

3) Alternatives to External Rewards: How to Help Your Child Set Internally Oriented Goals

Rather than relying on external rewards, it's much more effective to help your child develop internal motivation. Here are some strategies to help foster a mindset focused on internal rewards, which will support long-term success and personal growth:

• Help Your Child Find Meaning in Their Work: One of the best ways to foster internal motivation is to help your child connect their work to their personal interests and long-term goals. For example, if your child struggles with a certain subject, help them understand how mastering it could contribute to their personal growth or future aspirations. This helps them see beyond the task at hand and motivates them by giving the work a sense of purpose. Often the inherent value in the task is overcoming the obstacle - the sense of achievement and reward in the initial success, and the development of the sense that any problem can be overcome with hard work.

• Create small wins: Rather than focusing on coming first or getting 100% in an exam, focus on small, incremental wins - such as moving your child’s marks up 10% on each assignment or exam. This creates the sense of reward and growth that sits at the heart of intrinsic motivation.

• Provide Positive Feedback for Effort and Improvement: Rather than offering rewards for completing tasks, focus on praising your child for their effort, persistence, and growth. Research shows that children who are praised for their effort — rather than for the outcome — are more likely to develop a growth mindset and become intrinsically motivated. For example, say “I’m really impressed with how hard you worked on that project!” rather than “You did great, here’s a reward.”

• Model Intrinsic Motivation: Children learn by observing the behaviours of those around them. Be sure to model intrinsic motivation in your own life. Show your child how you stay motivated by setting personal goals, engaging in activities for the sake of enjoyment, and taking pride in your achievements. Your child will be more likely to adopt similar behaviours if they see you valuing the process over the outcome.