Rewards for Enhancing Academic Motivation
(RoSE2025 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how different types of rewards motivate children to tackle challenging school tasks. It compares rewards for effort, such as trying hard (Effort Rewards), with rewards for outcomes, like achieving a good grade (Performance Rewards), to determine which better encourages children to face tougher problems. Children aged 9 to 13 without developmental disorders such as autism or ADHD may be suitable for this study. Participants will engage in various tasks, and their parents will provide insights into their past academic successes and responses. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding motivational strategies in education.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that these reward-based interventions are safe for children?
In a previous study, researchers found that rewarding participants for their effort in mental tasks increased their likelihood of choosing harder tasks later. This indicates that rewarding effort is generally well-received and can enhance motivation. No negative effects were reported, suggesting these rewards are likely safe for participants.
Another study showed that rewards based on performance, such as accuracy or speed, also improved learning. Participants in these studies did not report any adverse effects, indicating that performance-based rewards are safe as well.
Overall, both effort-based and performance-based rewards appear to boost motivation and learning without causing harm. This suggests these reward systems are safe for use in children, as previous research has not linked them to any negative side effects.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Rewards for Enhancing Academic Motivation trial because it explores innovative ways to boost academic motivation in children through rewards. Unlike traditional educational methods that may rely on standardized testing or grades, this trial investigates two distinct reward strategies: effort-based and performance-based rewards. Effort-based rewards motivate children by offering incentives for choosing and completing more challenging tasks, promoting perseverance. Performance-based rewards, on the other hand, encourage quick and accurate responses, emphasizing skill and efficiency. By focusing on these motivational techniques, the trial aims to uncover new, effective strategies to enhance academic engagement and success.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for enhancing academic motivation?
This trial will compare the effects of effort-based and performance-based rewards on children's academic motivation. Research has shown that both types of rewards can increase motivation and improve school performance. Participants in the Effort-based Reward Contingency arm will receive rewards for repeatedly choosing more difficult tasks, boosting their motivation to learn and excel in school. One study found that 93.8% of participants believed a reward system helps improve school performance, with effort rewards especially encouraging children to take on challenges. Meanwhile, participants in the Performance-based Reward Contingency arm will receive rewards for completing tasks quickly and accurately, regardless of difficulty. Performance-based rewards have greatly enhanced motivation and educational success, particularly in learning environments with game-like elements. Overall, both reward types have effectively encouraged motivation and improved children's academic achievements.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jesse Niebaum, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Davis
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children ages 9 to 13. Participants should be able to complete cognitive tasks and answer questions about their academic effort, with parental input on school experiences.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Session 1
Participants complete cognitive tasks and are assigned to reward groups. Tasks include matrix completion, response inhibition, and task switching.
Session 2
Approximately one week later, participants complete additional cognitive tasks and questionnaires, including response inhibition and task-switching tasks.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in challenge-seeking and persistence on tasks.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Effort Rewards
- Performance Rewards
Trial Overview
The study compares two types of rewards: one group gets rewards for working hard (effort), while another gets rewards for doing well (performance). It looks at how these reward styles affect children's willingness to take on challenging mental tasks.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Rewards are provided for children who perform quickly and accurately, regardless of which response inhibition task option they select to play.
Great rewards are offered for children who repeatedly decide to complete a more difficult response inhibition task.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Davis
Lead Sponsor
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator
Citations
Effects of Rewards on Motivation and Student Achievement ...
This study examines the impact of rewards on motivation and academic performance in digital game-based learning (DGBL) for teaching English as a ...
2.
ecampus.oregonstate.edu
ecampus.oregonstate.edu/research/wp-content/uploads/Walker-et-al.-2024.-Student-Motivation-and-Academic-Performance.pdfExploring the Relationship Between Motivation and Academic ...
We explored student motivation, specifically subscales for attributional style, self-efficacy, achievement goal orientation, self-determination ...
The impact of learning motivation on academic performance ...
Intrinsic motivation was positively associated with GPA both directly and indirectly through greater use of effective learning strategies and ...
The Effect of Rewards and Motivation on Student Achievement
Student motivation affects every aspect of school life, from attendance, to academic performance, to extra-curricular activities. Promoting the greatest student.
Effects of reward strategies in gamified learning on ...
In gamified learning, rewards are integral components to enhance students' motivation and academic performance. We define high-stakes rewards in gamified ...
Rewarding cognitive effort increases the intrinsic value ... - PMC
We show that rewarding participants for the exertion of effort in a cognitive task increased their preference for more demanding tasks in a transfer phase.
Ask the Cognitive Scientist: Should Learning Be Its Own ...
The key factor to keep in mind is that rewards only decrease motivation for tasks that students initially like. If the task is dull, motivation might drop ...
8.
lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu
lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/features/psychology-motivation-what-drives-us-succeedThe psychology of motivation: what drives us to succeed?
Essentially, expectancy theory suggests that people will feel motivated when they not only value the promised reward but also actually believe ...
9.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/375968165_Enhancing_Learning_Motivation_in_Elementary_Schools_The_Impact_and_Role_of_Rewards(PDF) Enhancing Learning Motivation in Elementary Schools
The research uncovers a significant positive correlation between the frequency of receiving rewards and students' academic performance, ...
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