"Why?" Some Puzzles of Motivation

Abstract

"Why?" Some Puzzles of Motivation -- It is only logical that if people already have one reason to do something, and you give them a second reason to do that thing, their commitment will be greater, their effort will be more sustained, and their performance will be more outstanding. Thus, for example, a teacher who is motivated to inspire students will be even more motivated if a performance bonus is added to the mix. Logical, perhaps; psychological, no. Barry Schwartz will review evidence that different types of motives sometimes compete, not sum, even when all the motives seem to be pushing in the same direction. Recent results from a fifteen-year study of West Point cadets confirm that more motives can produce worse results