New Perspectives on the Psychology of Human Motivation (Psychology Revivals)

Originally published in 1978, this volume provided a broad survey of the latest research and theory, at the time, concerning the potential detrimental effects of inappropriate uses of tangible rewards to modify behavior. Overall, this research questions the dominant paradigm within which reinforcers, by definition, have positive effects on performance and subsequent behavior, and suggests new directions for the study of human motivation. In a series of five original integrative essays, the contributors summarize their own and related research programs. These theoretical essays are complemented by two introductory chapters, that provide a historical context for this research, and four discussion chapters, that speak to broader issues, including both the implications and limitations of the research presented.