Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Cognitive Evaluation Theory explains how external rewards and feedback influence a person's internal motivation to perform a task. It suggests that if a person perceives an activity as being driven by external rewards, like money or prizes, their intrinsic interest might decrease because they focus more on the reward than on enjoying the activity itself. Conversely, positive feedback that enhances a person’s sense of competence can boost their intrinsic motivation. In essence, the theory highlights the balance between external incentives and internal interest, emphasizing that how rewards are perceived can either foster or hinder genuine motivation.