Challenge Vs. Threat: Differential Effects of Positive and Negative Incentives on Motivation and Performance

Poster Session I

Keyword: Motivation

Abstract: This study examined how rewards and penalties influence inhibition and motivational states. Using a within-subjects design, 111 participants completed a Stroop task under varying incentives. Penalties, compared to rewards, significantly heightened threat and avoidance motivation (ps < .001), leading to slower responses but fewer errors (ps < .001).

• Zhiyuan Liu (Presenting Author)
• Ziwei Cheng (Author)
• Odessa Goldberg (Author)
• Amitai Shenhav (Author)
• Wendy Mendes (Author)