Young children would rather explore than get rewards (news.osu.edu)

Article summary

A study found that young children, aged 4-5, prefer to explore and learn about their environment rather than receive rewards. The children in the study were willing to pass up rewards they knew they could collect in order to explore other options. The researchers believe that exploration is a major driving force during early childhood, helping children understand how the world works. The study also found that children's exploration is not random, but rather systematic and goal-oriented.

Main themes

• child development
• motivation
• education
• rewards and punishment
• intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
• school system effectiveness

What commenters say

• Extrinsic motivation, such as rewards, can undermine intrinsic motivation and lead to a lack of interest in an activity.
• The use of rewards and punishment in education and parenting can have negative effects on children's motivation and behavior.
• Some commenters argue that the school system is effective in forcing children to learn, even if it doesn't optimize their motivation.
• Others believe that the emphasis on grades and extrinsic motivation in schools can strangle intrinsic motivation and lead to a lack of interest in learning.
• The concept of 'mastery' in education is viewed with skepticism by some, who see it as a marketing gimmick or a focus on testing rather than enduring skills.
• There is disagreement about the difficulty of achieving decent grades in high school and the importance of attending a 'good' college.
• Some argue that a person's university does not define their potential or success, while others believe that the pressure to attend a top university can be overwhelming and ineffective as a motivator.