The Effects of Schedule and Intensity of Aversive Outcomes on Performance: A Multitheoretical Perspective

Several theories of motivation were compared to predict the effects of differ- ing schedules and intensities of aversive outcomes on performance. The per- formance of 72 subjects (divided into four experimental groups) was observed as they performed a 1-hr proofreading task in a laboratory setting. Subjects receiving sanctions on a variable ratio schedule performed poorer than sub- jects receiving aversive consequences on a continuous schedule. Results sug- gest that procedural justice factors, such as consistency, are important in understanding behavioral reactions to aversive consequences.