When students repeatedly engage in an activity (such as design and conduct an experiment) to earn a reward that is not directly related to that activity (such as earn a 'star' or 'badge') they are likely to

Question

Accepted Answer

When students repeatedly engage in an activity to earn a reward that is not directly related to that activity, such as earning a 'star' or 'badge', they are likely to develop a materialistic attitude towards learning. This is because the focus shifts from the intrinsic value of the activity itself to the extrinsic rewards associated with it. Here is a detailed explanation supporting why Option 1 is correct and why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Justification for Option 1:**
   - **Extrinsic Motivation:** When students are motivated by external rewards, they may start valuing the reward more than the learning process itself. This can lead to a materialistic attitude where the primary goal becomes obtaining the reward rather than understanding or enjoying the activity.
   - **Behavioral Conditioning:** The use of rewards can condition students to associate learning with external incentives. Over time, this can diminish their intrinsic motivation and foster a mindset where learning is seen as a means to an end (the reward), rather than an end in itself.
   - **Research Evidence:** Studies in educational psychology suggest that excessive reliance on extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, leading students to focus on tangible rewards rather than the joy of learning or the satisfaction of mastering a subject.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 2 (Enjoy learning for the sake of understanding):**
     - This option is incorrect because when the focus is on earning rewards, students are less likely to engage deeply with the material for its own sake. The presence of external rewards can detract from the intrinsic enjoyment and curiosity that drive understanding.

- **Option 3 (Persist in doing the activity even without the reward):**
     - This option is incorrect as well because reliance on external rewards can lead to a decrease in persistence once the rewards are removed. Without the extrinsic motivator, students may lose interest and motivation to continue the activity.

- **Option 4 (Set mastery goals for themselves rather than work to please others):**
     - This option is incorrect because mastery goals are typically associated with intrinsic motivation, where the focus is on learning and self-improvement. When students are driven by external rewards, they are more likely to adopt performance goals aimed at achieving the reward, rather than mastery goals focused on personal growth and understanding.

In conclusion, Option 1 is the correct answer because the use of unrelated rewards can lead students to develop a materialistic attitude towards learning, prioritizing the acquisition of rewards over the intrinsic value of the learning experience itself.