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The importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for measuring IQ

Author

Listed:
  • Borghans, Lex

    (Department of Economics and Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market, Maastricht University)

  • Meijers, Huub

    (UNU-MERIT/MGSoG and Department of Economics, Maastricht University)

  • Weel, Bas ter

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Research and Department of Economics, Maastricht University)

Abstract

This research provides an economic model of the way people behave during an IQ test. We distinguish a technology that describes how time investment improves performance from preferences that determine how much time people invest in each question. We disentangle these two elements empirically using data from a laboratory experiment. The main findings are that both intrinsic (questions that people like to work on) and extrinsic motivation (incentive payments) increase time investments and as a result performance. The presence of incentive payments seems to be more important than the size of the reward. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations turn out to be complements.

Suggested Citation

  • Borghans, Lex & Meijers, Huub & Weel, Bas ter, 2013. "The importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for measuring IQ," MERIT Working Papers 2013-006, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2013006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    incentives; cognitive test scores;

    JEL classification:

    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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