The effect of monetary incentive on the accuracy of post-training self-reinforcement behavior

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of a monetary incentive on the accuracy of post-training self-reinforcement behavior, specifically upon the accuracy of the behavior of the high self-reinforcing subjects. -- Subjects were classified as either low or high self-reinforcers on the basis of their performance on a pretraining task wherein performance accuracy was unknown. Following this, an equal number of subjects were trained to a criterion level of 40% or 80% correct choices on the last block of training trials. Subjects in the no incentive condition were then administered the test phase which assessed their self-reinforcing behavior, whereas subjects in the incentive condition were informed that they could earn up to an extra $5.00 for the accuracy during the test phase. -- Results indicated both significant baseline and training main effects in relation to both change and accuracy of self-reinforcement behavior, but the absence of any incentive effect. In addition, confidence scores, as measured by a post-experimental questionnaire, were unrelated to initial baseline performance.