This is a summary of the research study titled Effects of a Token Economy on Exercise Intensity and Intrinsic Motivation (The Sport Journal, 2 Sep 2022: Andrew E. Alstot, Ph.D. Department of Kinesiology, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA)
Effects of a Token Economy on Exercise Intensity and Intrinsic Motivation
The Yolk
How was the study done?
- 10 participants rode a stationary bike in ten 20 minute sessions over 3-4 weeks
- Measured a motivation score before and after session
- Participants saw points added while riding bike
- If they pedaled faster, they would get points
- Fixed – 5 received points when riding at their average pace one minute
- Increasing – 5 had it increasingly harder to achieve points
Results of the study
- Both groups improved exercise intensity with points
- Fixed group had lower exercise intensity over time, lower motivation score
- Increasing group showed more exercise intensity, more constant results, either no change or higher motivation score
Conclusions of the study
- Rewards could be used when first learning or starting exercise and slowly decreased over time to transition into not depending on rewards.
- If rewards are introduced, they should be withdrawn to improve performance over time
Perspective
- Small study, can’t extrapolate
- Using a reward and then slowly making it harder to achieve as you improve your exercise habit is something worth trying
- Example: Give yourself points. 1 point for putting on workout clothes, 2 points for just going to the gym, 10 points for a 10 minute walk, etc. Cash in 100 points for a $10 prize to buy something you like
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