A common question often asked by parents and educators is” Do rewards or punishment work? Most child experts are cutely aware that punishments are often counterproductive in helping children succeed at home and at school. According to reward and punishment expert, Alphie Kohn, on the topic: Do Rewards or Punishments Work?, Kohn research finds that making children suffer to alter their behavior can often elicit temporary compliance, but this strategy is unlikely to help them become ethical, compassionate decision makers. Kohn further asserts that punishment, even if referred to as “consequences,” tends to generate anger, defiance, and a desire for revenge.
Rewards, the opposite of punishment, can be just as harmful to children. Kohn’s research in this area found that temporary rewards, or” carrots,” most often turn out to be no more effective than punishment or threats. Some psychologist have referred to rewards and punishment as “extrinsic” motivators, because they are inducements outside of the task itself.