

#2776
Mentioned in 15 episodes
Punished by Rewards
Book • 1993
Alfie Kohn's "Punished by Rewards" critically examines the widespread use of rewards and punishments in various settings, including education and the workplace.
Kohn argues that these systems, while seemingly effective in the short term, often undermine intrinsic motivation and lead to negative long-term consequences.
He explores the psychological mechanisms behind this phenomenon, demonstrating how rewards can decrease interest in activities and how punishments can foster resentment and anxiety.
The book offers a compelling case for fostering intrinsic motivation through autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Kohn's work has significantly influenced educational practices and parenting styles, advocating for more humane and effective approaches to motivation.
Kohn argues that these systems, while seemingly effective in the short term, often undermine intrinsic motivation and lead to negative long-term consequences.
He explores the psychological mechanisms behind this phenomenon, demonstrating how rewards can decrease interest in activities and how punishments can foster resentment and anxiety.
The book offers a compelling case for fostering intrinsic motivation through autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Kohn's work has significantly influenced educational practices and parenting styles, advocating for more humane and effective approaches to motivation.
Mentioned by


















Mentioned in 15 episodes
Mentioned by 

in relation to the concept of 'fridge door syndrome' and its impact on children's self-esteem.


Steve Peters

1,080 snips
Join The Top 1%: The Mindset Behind The World's Top Performers - Professor Steve Peters
Mentioned by David Heinemeier Hansson in relation to a discussion about grit and the limitations of reward systems.

155 snips
#224 CTO & Co-Owner 37signals, David Heinemeier Hansson: Perfect Flow
Mentioned by 

as a classic book reprinted for its 25th anniversary.


Laurie Santos

48 snips
Making the Grade
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as the book that sparked his interest in the interaction between reward and human psychology.

Simon Cullen

32 snips
Rethinking Student Attendance Policies for Deeper Engagement and Learning
Mencionado por 

en relación a la motivación intrínseca e incentivos.


Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago

30 snips
[BONUS] Los incentivos mueven el mundo. Con Ion Cuervas-Mons y François Derbaix
Mentioned by 

as the host of the show while introducing the topic: how teachers can snuff out interest in reading.


Alfie Kohn

30 snips
How to Kill Kids’ Interest in Reading
Mencionado por 

como un libro reconocido sobre el uso de incentivos en la educación.


Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago

23 snips
Q&A12: Sistemas de aprendizaje, comunicación no violenta, maternidad y paternidad, perfiles híbridos, incentivos al educar, dolor y cambios sociales
Mentioned by 

as a book that addresses the issue of using rewards to control behavior.


Janet Lansbury

16 snips
Threats and Bribes Aren't Very Helpful (What to Do Instead)
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring the negative impacts of rewards and punishments.


Alfie Kohn

11 snips
How to Not Raise a Nazi.... #39 (Free Premium Episode)
Referenced as the topic of previous rebroadcasted episodes on parenting.

245. Optimal Parenting I: The Big Picture
Recommended by JT O'Donnell who references Alfie Kohn's 1993 prediction that extrinsic motivation models are detrimental.

Will SAP and Workday Go Amazon?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the book that has been on his mind and they were pretty positive about last week.

Sharif Younes

[Rebroadcast] How to Develop Lasting Motivation
Mentioned by 

as a relevant book about incentives that backfire.


Mark Shank

238 – When Incentives Backfire: The Great Hanoi Rat Hunt
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the negative effects of bribes and rewards on children.

Barbara Coloroso
AOA 082: An Allowance Is a Gift — Raising Money-Smart Kids with Barbara Coloroso
Mentioned by Jon, who played a snippet from an interview with the author for an upcoming podcast episode.

The Big Santa Controversy #32
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book that explains the psychology behind why end goals can be demotivating.

Gillian Perkins

How Gillian Perkins Builds a Profitable Digital Business Working Less Than 30 Hours a Week
Recommended by ![undefined]()

for its insights into the effects of rewards and punishments.

Jamie Glowacki

64. Rewards, Consequences, and Bribing
Mentioned by David Heinemeier Hansson as a book outlining research on why incentive systems don't work.

E1029: Basecamp Co-Founder & Author David Heinemeier Hansson (@DHH) debates Jason on reining in capitalism, benefits of state-run education & healthcare, big-tech disappointments, work-from-home paradigm shift, wealth tax & more!
Mentioned by David Heinemeier Hansson in relation to a discussion about grit and the book "Grit" by Angela Duckworth.

#223 CTO & Co-Owner 37signals, David Heinemeier Hansson: Perfect Flow
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of a book strongly opposing praise.

Jen Lumanlan

245: Does praise help or hurt your child? What research actually shows



