The experience matters more than you think: People value intrinsic incentives more inside than outside an activity.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Design analogy for experimental behavioral psychology studies.
PubMed 26371401 · doi:10.1037/pspa0000035
What was done
The authors conducted a series of behavioral experiments to examine whether the valuation of intrinsic incentives varies depending on whether people are actively engaged in an activity (inside pursuit) compared to before or after it (outside pursuit). The effect was evaluated across multiple contexts (exercise, museum visits, and laboratory tasks) using measures including importance ratings of incentives, comparisons between planned and actual persistence, and post-choice regret.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, test statistics, or effect sizes. The authors observed that individuals consistently placed higher value on intrinsic incentives (such as immediate task interest) during task execution than before or after. In contrast, valuation of extrinsic incentives remained constant across phases. Foregoing intrinsic rewards before an activity led to reduced persistence and subsequent regret among pursuers.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates a systematic forecasting error where individuals underestimate how much immediate intrinsic enjoyment will matter to them when engaged in a task. This insight helps explain failures in long-term goal adherence and behavioral persistence.
Limits
The abstract omits sample sizes, participant demographics, exact statistical methods, and effect sizes. The ecological validity and long-term durability of the findings beyond acute experimental or recreational tasks cannot be determined from the abstract alone.
Cited by
- supports Self-control and task performance are enhanced when an individual is intrinsically motivated rather than exclusively externally motivated.
- supports Research by Ayelet Fishbach and Kaitlin Woolley shows that including immediate intrinsic rewards (such as listening to favorite music) increases regular gym attendance compared to solely focusing on long-term benefits.