Question 5·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1 Psychologist Edward Deci’s classic studies in the 1970s suggested that paying people for activities they already enjoy can dampen their inherent interest in those tasks. In Deci’s view, external incentives shift people’s perception of why they act—from the pleasure of the activity itself to the reward promised afterward. Because of this “crowding-out” effect, Deci recommends avoiding monetary rewards whenever the goal is to cultivate long-term, self-sustaining motivation.
Text 2 Behavioral economist Linh Tran acknowledges the crowding-out phenomenon but argues that not all rewards function alike. In a recent field experiment, Tran offered students digital badges—non-monetary symbols of achievement—for completing optional math puzzles. Rather than weakening enthusiasm, the badges increased the number of puzzles students attempted in the following week. Tran contends that rewards that emphasize competence and progress, rather than mere payment, can actually nurture and amplify intrinsic motivation.
Based on the texts, how would Tran (Text 2) most likely respond to Deci’s recommendation in Text 1?
For cross-text connection questions, first summarize each author’s main claim in a short phrase (e.g., “Deci: money crowds out interest; avoid it” and “Tran: some rewards can boost interest”). Then, ask how the second author would respond to the specific recommendation or claim in the first text: do they fully agree, partially agree, or disagree, and what nuance do they add? Finally, eliminate answer choices that are too absolute (like “any,” “inevitably,” or claims not supported by either text) and choose the one that accurately reflects both the second author’s view and the relationship between the two texts.
Hints
Clarify Deci’s position
Look back at Text 1: What does Deci think rewards (especially monetary ones) do to people’s natural interest in an activity? What recommendation does he make as a result?
Clarify Tran’s position
In Text 2, does Tran say that all rewards have the same effect, or does she separate different types of rewards? Focus on what happened with the digital badges and what conclusion she draws.
Compare agreement vs. disagreement
Does Tran fully agree with avoiding all external rewards, or does she think some rewards can be helpful for intrinsic motivation? Look for the answer choice that shows a more nuanced response, not total agreement or total rejection.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand Deci’s main claim and recommendation (Text 1)
Deci’s research suggests that paying people for activities they already like can reduce their natural interest. He says external incentives make people focus on the reward instead of the joy of the activity. Because of this “crowding-out” effect, he recommends avoiding monetary rewards when the goal is long-term, self-driven motivation.
Identify Tran’s main claim about rewards (Text 2)
Tran agrees that crowding-out is real but adds an important twist: “not all rewards function alike.” In her study, digital badges (non-monetary symbols of achievement) for doing math puzzles increased how many puzzles students tried later. She concludes that rewards that highlight competence and progress can “nurture and amplify intrinsic motivation.”
Figure out how Tran would respond to Deci’s recommendation
Deci’s recommendation is to avoid monetary rewards to protect intrinsic motivation. Tran would likely respond that this advice is too broad. While she accepts that some rewards (like money) can crowd out motivation, she believes other rewards (like badges that signal achievement) can support and even strengthen intrinsic motivation instead of undermining it.
Match this relationship to the answer choices
We need the option showing that Tran qualifies (modifies) Deci’s recommendation by pointing out that some rewards can help, not harm, intrinsic motivation. Choice D says this directly: By contending that certain types of rewards can actually reinforce, rather than undermine, intrinsic motivation — which matches Tran’s claim that competence-focused rewards can “nurture and amplify intrinsic motivation.” So the correct answer is D) By contending that certain types of rewards can actually reinforce, rather than undermine, intrinsic motivation.