What happens when extrinsic rewards are perceived as controlling according to cognitive evaluation theory?

When extrinsic rewards are perceived as controlling, cognitive evaluation theory suggests that these rewards can undermine a person's intrinsic motivation. This theory posits that individuals are motivated by inherent enjoyment or interest in an activity, and that external factors, such as rewards, can influence this internal drive. When rewards are seen as controlling, individuals may feel that their autonomy is being compromised. This perception can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation because the individual might no longer engage in the activity for its own sake, but rather to satisfy the external requirements, thus diminishing their personal interest and enjoyment.

Consequently, when such controlling extrinsic rewards are present, they can diminish overall motivation rather than enhance it, as individuals shift their focus away from the intrinsic pleasure of the task to solely obtaining the reward. This shift can result in a lack of engagement and a decrease in the quality of the effort put into the activity, adversely affecting motivation levels.