Key result
Potential monetary reward for successful control did not significantly affect average heart-rate control compared to no payment, although it resulted in greater performance variability.
Why the study?
Does potential monetary reward improve average heart-rate control in subjects performing an operant heart-rate control task?
Does potential monetary reward improve average heart-rate control in subjects performing an operant heart-rate control task?
p-value: p=not significant
Monetary reward does not significantly improve average performance on an operant heart-rate control task but increases performance variability.
Monetary incentives should not guide heart-rate biofeedback practice; leaves open variability effects in operant tasks.
The effect of potential monetary reward upon performance of a heart-rate control task was evaluated. There were no significant differences in average heart-rate control between Ss who were offered payment for successful control and those who were not offered payment. Greater variability in performance was found among Ss who were offered payment as opposed to those who were not. This finding is discussed in relation to verbal reports made by Ss following experimental sessions. Some additional data on changes in performance over time on the heart-rate control task are presented.
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Guenther et al. (1973) studied this question. Potential monetary reward vs. No payment offered was evaluated on Average heart-rate control (p=not significant). Potential monetary reward for successful control did not significantly affect average heart-rate control compared to no payment, although it resulted in greater performance variability.
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