Question

Dr. Fiore conducts a study in which two groups of participants work on challenging puzzles: one group is extrinsically motivated, whereas the other is intrinsically motivated. Thus, one group is paid for its participation, while the other isn't. Dr. Fiore records the length of time each participant spent working on the puzzle and how much each participant enjoyed the puzzle. Based on the theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, which of the following is most likely to be true?
A. The paid group worked harder on the puzzle but enjoyed it less than the unpaid group.
B. The paid group didn't work as hard on the puzzle and enjoyed it less than the unpaid group.
C. The paid group worked harder on the puzzle and enjoyed it more than the unpaid group.
D. The paid group didn't work as hard on the puzzle but enjoyed it more than the unpaid group.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The paid group didn't work as hard on the puzzle and enjoyed it less than the unpaid group.

Explanation:

Intrinsic motivation is that which depends exclusively on the individual and which is directly linked to his feelings, tastes, priorities, desires and other stimuli related to internal issues. Extrinsic Motivation, in turn, originates from factors external to the individual, such as any monetary reward. The individual does the task to be rewarded or not to be punished. Punishment or reward is the “fuel” that makes the subject mobilize.

Thus, we can conclude that the group that was paid, had an extrinsic motivation, had a reward for completing the puzzle, while the unpaid group had an intrinsic motivation and were completing the puzzle because they liked the activity. So we can assume that the paid group did not work as hard on the puzzle and enjoyed less than the unpaid group.