The phenomenon you described is known as the "overjustification effect." It suggests that offering external rewards for activities that individuals already find intrinsically motivating can undermine their intrinsic motivation. This effect has been studied in the context of creativity and problem-solving tasks.
When rewards are introduced for tasks that require a certain level of cognitive capacity and creative thinking, it can lead to several psychological processes that might limit creativity and performance:
Shift in Focus: Introducing rewards shifts the focus from the inherent enjoyment or interest in the task to obtaining the reward. As a result, individuals may become more focused on the extrinsic motivation (the reward) rather than the intrinsic enjoyment of the task. This shift in focus can dampen the natural curiosity and passion that drives creative thinking.
Narrowed Perspective: External rewards can lead individuals to adopt a more narrow and goal-oriented approach. They may start to focus on finding the most straightforward and guaranteed ways to achieve the reward, rather than exploring more unconventional or innovative solutions that might carry a higher risk of failure.
Pressure and Anxiety: The presence of rewards can create a sense of pressure to perform well, leading to increased anxiety and fear of failure. This heightened pressure can hinder the relaxed, open-minded thinking that often fosters creativity and problem-solving.
Reduced Autonomy: When rewards are offered, individuals may feel their autonomy is compromised. They may perceive the task as being controlled by the reward-giver rather than freely chosen. Reduced autonomy can negatively impact intrinsic motivation and creative thinking.
On the other hand, rewards can enhance performance on simple, mechanical tasks because they offer clear and immediate feedback. For such tasks, the connection between effort and reward is more apparent, making the relationship between the task and the reward more salient. In these cases, the reward acts as a clear incentive and can increase focus and motivation.
However, for tasks that require creative problem-solving and cognitive capacity, intrinsic motivation plays a significant role. Creativity thrives in an environment where individuals feel curious, self-directed, and inspired by the challenge itself. Introducing external rewards can disrupt this natural inclination and lead to the overjustification effect, ultimately limiting creativity and performance.
To foster creativity and optimal performance in complex problem-solving tasks, providing a supportive and intrinsically motivating environment is crucial. This may involve encouraging autonomy, providing opportunities for self-directed exploration, and acknowledging the value of the task beyond the extrinsic rewards.