Self-Reward and External Reward: Methodological Considerations and Contingency Instructions

Abstract

In light of inconsistent procedures and results found in past studies comparing self-reward and external reward, the present study examined the dimensions of self-reward as a self-controlling response and the role of contingency instructions in external reward. Four groups of 10 subjects each who had indicated interest in increasing their reading speed repeatedly practiced a 1-min. speed reading exercise. Subjects in the self-reward group engaged in low probability behaviors which involved persistence and goal-oriented behaviors; and the reward used freely available stimuli which were self-selected, self-managed, and self-administered. The externally rewarded and contingency-informed group increased reading speed more than all other treatments. The self-rewarded group was marginally greater than an externally rewarded and contingency uninformed group and a performance feedback control group. No difference was found between the control group and the externally rewarded and contingency-uninformed group.