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Cognitive Gamification: Intrinsic Motivation Vs. Extrinsic Rewards (Contrasts)

Discover the surprising differences between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards in cognitive gamification.

Step Action Novel Insight Risk Factors
1 Define intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, while extrinsic rewards are external incentives that motivate behavior. None
2 Explain the role of behavioral psychology in gamification Behavioral psychology provides the foundation for gamification by understanding how people learn and are motivated to engage in certain behaviors. None
3 Describe game mechanics and player engagement Game mechanics are the rules and systems that govern gameplay, while player engagement refers to the level of involvement and enjoyment experienced by the player. Poorly designed game mechanics can lead to disengagement and frustration among players.
4 Compare and contrast the impact of intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards on learning outcomes Intrinsic motivation has been shown to lead to deeper learning and longer-lasting retention of information, while extrinsic rewards can lead to a focus on the reward rather than the learning itself. Over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation and a lack of interest in the activity without the reward.
5 Discuss the role of motivational factors in gamification Motivational factors such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness can enhance intrinsic motivation and lead to greater engagement and enjoyment in the activity. Ignoring motivational factors can lead to disengagement and a lack of interest in the activity.
6 Explain the goal setting theory and its application in gamification The goal setting theory suggests that setting specific, challenging goals can enhance motivation and performance. In gamification, this can be applied by setting clear objectives and providing feedback on progress towards those objectives. Poorly designed goals or feedback loops can lead to frustration and disengagement among players.
7 Describe the role of feedback loops and reinforcement schedules in gamification Feedback loops provide information on progress and performance, while reinforcement schedules determine when and how rewards are given. Both can enhance motivation and engagement in the activity. Poorly designed feedback loops or reinforcement schedules can lead to confusion or a lack of interest in the activity.

Contents

  1. What is the Role of Extrinsic Rewards in Cognitive Gamification?
  2. What are Game Mechanics and How Do They Impact Player Engagement in Cognitive Gamification?
  3. What Motivational Factors Drive Intrinsic Motivation in Cognitive Gamification?
  4. How do Feedback Loops Affect Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation in Cognitive Gamification?
  5. Common Mistakes And Misconceptions

What is the Role of Extrinsic Rewards in Cognitive Gamification?

Step Action Novel Insight Risk Factors
1 Define extrinsic rewards Extrinsic rewards are external incentives that motivate behavior, such as money, prizes, or recognition. None
2 Explain the role of extrinsic rewards in cognitive gamification Extrinsic rewards can be used in cognitive gamification to provide motivation and reinforce desired behaviors. Over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation and creativity.
3 Discuss the contrast between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is driven by personal interest and enjoyment, while extrinsic rewards are external and provided by others. Overemphasis on extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation and lead to a decrease in overall engagement.
4 Describe the potential risks of using extrinsic rewards in cognitive gamification Over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation and creativity, as well as a focus on short-term goals rather than long-term learning. It is important to balance extrinsic rewards with intrinsic motivation and provide opportunities for experiential learning and goal-setting.
5 Explain the importance of feedback loops and positive reinforcement in cognitive gamification Feedback loops provide information on progress and performance, while positive reinforcement rewards desired behaviors. Negative reinforcement and punishment can be demotivating and lead to a decrease in engagement.
6 Discuss the relevance of goal-setting theory and self-determination theory in cognitive gamification Goal-setting theory emphasizes the importance of setting specific, challenging goals, while self-determination theory highlights the role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in motivation. These theories can inform the design of cognitive gamification experiences and help to promote intrinsic motivation and engagement.
7 Describe the potential impact of cognitive load theory and social cognitive theory on cognitive gamification Cognitive load theory suggests that learners have limited cognitive resources and that instructional design should minimize extraneous cognitive load, while social cognitive theory emphasizes the role of observation and modeling in learning. These theories can inform the design of cognitive gamification experiences and help to optimize learning outcomes.

What are Game Mechanics and How Do They Impact Player Engagement in Cognitive Gamification?

Step Action Novel Insight Risk Factors
1 Define game mechanics Game mechanics are the rules and systems that govern gameplay in a game or gamified experience. None
2 Identify game mechanics used in cognitive gamification Game mechanics commonly used in cognitive gamification include points systems, leaderboards, quests and challenges, avatars and customization options, feedback loops, progression systems, social interaction features, narrative elements, time pressure mechanisms, randomness or chance-based events, and reward schedules. None
3 Explain how game mechanics impact player engagement in cognitive gamification Game mechanics impact player engagement by providing a sense of progress and achievement, creating a competitive environment, offering opportunities for social interaction, and providing a sense of autonomy and control. However, over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation and engagement. Overuse of certain game mechanics can lead to player burnout or disengagement. It is important to balance extrinsic rewards with intrinsic motivation to maintain player engagement.
4 Provide examples of game mechanics in action An example of game mechanics in action is a points system that rewards players for completing tasks or challenges. Another example is a leaderboard that displays the top players in a game or gamified experience. Quests and challenges provide players with specific goals to achieve, while avatars and customization options allow players to personalize their experience. Feedback loops provide players with information on their progress, while progression systems unlock new content as players advance. Social interaction features allow players to connect with others, while narrative elements provide a story or context for the experience. Time pressure mechanisms and randomness or chance-based events add excitement and unpredictability to the experience. Reward schedules determine when and how often players receive rewards. None

What Motivational Factors Drive Intrinsic Motivation in Cognitive Gamification?

Step Action Novel Insight Risk Factors
1 Incorporate self-determination theory Self-determination theory suggests that autonomy, competence, and relatedness are key factors in driving intrinsic motivation. Focusing too heavily on extrinsic rewards may undermine autonomy and relatedness.
2 Set mastery goals Mastery goals, or goals focused on improving skills and knowledge, can increase intrinsic motivation. Setting goals that are too difficult or too easy can decrease motivation.
3 Create opportunities for flow state Flow state, or the feeling of being fully immersed and engaged in an activity, can increase intrinsic motivation. Activities that are too easy or too difficult may prevent flow state.
4 Balance challenge and skill Finding the right balance between challenge and skill can increase intrinsic motivation. If the challenge is too high or the skill level is too low, motivation may decrease.
5 Implement feedback loops Feedback loops that provide information on progress and performance can increase intrinsic motivation. Feedback that is overly critical or not specific enough may decrease motivation.
6 Include progress tracking mechanisms Progress tracking mechanisms, such as progress bars or badges, can increase intrinsic motivation. If progress tracking is too complex or not visible enough, motivation may decrease.
7 Use social comparison Social comparison, or comparing one’s progress to others, can increase intrinsic motivation. Social comparison that is too competitive or not relevant may decrease motivation.
8 Provide a sense of purpose or meaning Activities that have a clear purpose or meaning can increase intrinsic motivation. Activities that lack purpose or meaning may decrease motivation.
9 Encourage curiosity and exploration Encouraging curiosity and exploration can increase intrinsic motivation. Activities that are too structured or lack novelty may decrease motivation.
10 Allow for a sense of control over outcomes Allowing individuals to have control over outcomes can increase intrinsic motivation. Activities that are too rigid or lack flexibility may decrease motivation.
11 Utilize reward anticipation Anticipating rewards can increase intrinsic motivation. Rewards that are too frequent or not meaningful may decrease motivation.

How do Feedback Loops Affect Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation in Cognitive Gamification?

Step Action Novel Insight Risk Factors
1 Understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation Intrinsic motivation comes from within, while extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or punishments None
2 Understand the role of feedback loops in cognitive gamification Feedback loops provide information to the player about their progress and performance None
3 Understand the difference between positive and negative feedback Positive feedback reinforces desired behavior, while negative feedback discourages undesired behavior None
4 Understand the role of reinforcement and punishment in feedback loops Reinforcement increases the likelihood of desired behavior, while punishment decreases the likelihood of undesired behavior Overuse of punishment can lead to demotivation and decreased engagement
5 Understand the self-determination theory and its three psychological needs Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are the three psychological needs that drive intrinsic motivation None
6 Understand the motivation crowding effect Extrinsic rewards can sometimes decrease intrinsic motivation Overuse of extrinsic rewards can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation
7 Understand the self-perception theory People infer their own attitudes and motivations based on their behavior and the context in which it occurs None
8 Understand reward sensitivity Some people are more sensitive to rewards than others None
9 Understand the importance of psychological needs in feedback loops Feedback loops that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness can increase intrinsic motivation Feedback loops that undermine psychological needs can decrease intrinsic motivation

Common Mistakes And Misconceptions

Mistake/Misconception Correct Viewpoint
Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards are the same thing. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards are two different concepts. Intrinsic motivation comes from within an individual, while extrinsic rewards come from external sources such as money or prizes.
Extrinsic rewards always decrease intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic rewards can sometimes increase intrinsic motivation if they are used appropriately and in conjunction with other motivational factors such as autonomy, mastery, and purpose. It depends on how the reward is given and what it represents to the individual receiving it.
Cognitive gamification only focuses on extrinsic rewards. Cognitive gamification can focus on both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators depending on the design of the game or activity being used to promote learning or behavior change. The goal is to create a balance between these two types of motivators for optimal engagement and success.
Intrinsic motivation is always more effective than extrinsic rewards in promoting behavior change or learning outcomes. Both intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards have their place in promoting behavior change or learning outcomes depending on the situation at hand, individual preferences, goals, etcetera . A combination of both may be most effective for long-term success rather than relying solely on one type of motivator over another.