The Interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: Some methodological notes

R. deCharms (1968) has hypothesized that increasing extrinsic rewards may lead individuals to perceive their behavior as under the control of the rewards and that this, in turn, may reduce their intrinsic motivation. Recently, E. L. Deci has reported several studies dealing with this interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (e.g., see record 1971-22190-001). A number of methodological problems with Deci's experiments are discussed. Support for deCharms's hypothesis is critically reviewed in order to direct future research.