Who is the author of 'Punished by Rewards'?

The author of 'Punished by Rewards' is Alfie Kohn.

What are the main themes in 'Punished by Rewards'?

The main themes in 'Punished by Rewards' include Self-Help, Behavioral Psychology, Psychology.

What genre is 'Punished by Rewards'?

'Punished by Rewards' is categorized as Psychology, Self-Help.

What is the main argument presented by Alfie Kohn in 'Punished by Rewards'?

In 'Punished by Rewards,' Alfie Kohn argues that the use of rewards and punishments in education and parenting is counterproductive and detrimental to genuine motivation and learning. He contends that external incentives, such as praise, grades, and material rewards, undermine intrinsic motivation and foster a reliance on external validation. Kohn advocates for a more holistic approach to motivation that promotes autonomy, mastery, and a sense of purpose, arguing that true engagement and learning come from within rather than from external stimuli.

How does the author define the concept of rewards and their effects on behavior?

In "Punished by Rewards," Alfie Kohn defines rewards as external incentives that are used to motivate behavior, often in the form of praise, money, grades, or tokens. He argues that while rewards might produce short-term compliance, they often undermine intrinsic motivation and can lead to negative long-term effects. Kohn posits that reliance on rewards encourages people to focus on the reward rather than the task itself, promotes a transactional view of relationships, and diminishes creativity and critical thinking. Furthermore, he believes that rewards create a dependency on external validation, rather than fostering a genuine interest in learning or doing a task for its own sake.

What alternative to rewards does Kohn suggest for motivating individuals?

In 'Punished by Rewards', Alfie Kohn suggests that instead of using rewards to motivate individuals, we should focus on fostering intrinsic motivation. Kohn advocates for creating environments that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of autonomy. He emphasizes the importance of providing meaningful work, promoting engagement, and building connections, which can lead to a more genuine and lasting motivation that is not based on external rewards.

What role does intrinsic motivation play in Kohn's perspective on education and parenting?

In 'Punished by Rewards,' Alfie Kohn emphasizes the vital role of intrinsic motivation in both education and parenting. He argues that intrinsic motivation—driven by an internal desire to learn, explore, and grow—fosters deeper engagement and understanding than extrinsic rewards such as grades, praise, or tangible rewards. Kohn posits that when educators and parents rely on external incentives, they undermine children's natural curiosity and love for learning. Instead, he advocates for creating environments that cultivate intrinsic motivation, allowing children to pursue their interests and passions freely, ultimately leading to more meaningful and lasting educational experiences.

Can you provide an example from the book that illustrates the negative impact of rewarding behavior?

In 'Punished by Rewards', Alfie Kohn presents the example of a school implementing a rewards program for reading. Initially, the program incentivizes students to read more books by offering them prizes for each book completed. While the program appears to increase the quantity of reading, Kohn argues that it negatively impacts students' intrinsic motivation to read. Instead of fostering a love for reading, the students begin to associate reading with reward-seeking behavior, which can diminish their natural interest and enjoyment of books over time. This example illustrates how external rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation and alter the nature of the behavior.

Punished by Rewards

By Alfie Kohn

Published: 1999

Psychology Self-Help Behavioral Psychology

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