Tangible rewards may lead to which indirect effect?

Tangible rewards may lead to which indirect effect?

• A. Greater independence
• B. Higher intrinsic motivation
• C. Less effort
• D. Increased pressure

Answer: (D)

When a tangible reward is offered, motivation shifts from within the activity to an external goal. That reward creates a clear target tied to performance, so there’s an expectation to meet or exceed a standard in order to earn it. This expectation—whether it comes from others or is self-imposed—can make the situation feel more stressful, increasing pressure during performance. This is the indirect effect: the reward itself raises the stakes and anxiety about whether you’ll obtain it. While autonomy or intrinsic motivation can be affected in other ways, the situation described most directly leads to heightened pressure to perform.

When a tangible reward is offered, motivation shifts from within the activity to an external goal. That reward creates a clear target tied to performance, so there’s an expectation to meet or exceed a standard in order to earn it. This expectation—whether it comes from others or is self-imposed—can make the situation feel more stressful, increasing pressure during performance. This is the indirect effect: the reward itself raises the stakes and anxiety about whether you’ll obtain it. While autonomy or intrinsic motivation can be affected in other ways, the situation described most directly leads to heightened pressure to perform.