What is the definition of an external reward in the context of behavior?

In the context of behavior, an external reward refers to a tangible benefit or incentive that is provided in response to a specific behavior or action. This could include anything from praise and recognition to bonuses or gifts. The idea is that the reward is external to the individual, meaning it comes from outside rather than arising from a personal sense of satisfaction or achievement. This type of reward can effectively motivate individuals to engage in certain behaviors, particularly in structured settings like workplaces or educational environments.

Focusing on this definition, an external reward plays a crucial role in behavior reinforcement, influencing individuals to repeat behaviors that yield positive outcomes. For example, when students receive grades or monetary rewards for completing assignments, those rewards can encourage future participation in similar tasks, reinforcing the behavior.

The other options describe different types of motivation—internal motivation emphasizes self-driven improvement, whereas intrinsic satisfaction focuses on the joy found within the task itself; both of these are centered on personal fulfillment rather than an external exchange. Monetary compensation for work done, while a form of external reward, is too narrow as it doesn't capture the broader concept of external rewards that could include non-monetary forms of acknowledgment or incentive.