UpDate - Vol.
Rewards encourage creativity.
Although the general perception has been they do, many naysayers in psychology, education and the work place claim that just the opposite is true, according to Robert Eisenberger, professor of psychology. Eisenberger was interviewed by Michelle Trudeau on National Public Radio, and an article on his research appeared in Science News. The project began when an undergraduate, Michael Selbst, approached Eisenberger and said he was interested in doing research on the theory that rewards destroy creativity. Eisenberger held the opposing viewpoint, and it was clearly a case of opposites attract. The two decided to collaborate on a study of rewards, and Selbst, now a graduate student at Temple University, is co-author of the article on reward and creativity.