Final answer:
Yes, it is possible for a reward program to start out rewarding the appropriate behavior but then begin to reward the wrong thing over time. This is due to the over justification effect and unintended consequences of the reward system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, it is possible for a reward program to start out rewarding the appropriate behavior but then begin to reward the wrong thing over time. This is because of a phenomenon known as the overjustification effect. The overjustification effect occurs when an individual's intrinsic motivation to engage in a behavior is replaced by extrinsic rewards, causing them to lose interest in the behavior itself.
For example, let's say a student enjoys reading books because they find it intellectually stimulating. If the student is initially rewarded with money for reading, the extrinsic reward may become the focus rather than the intrinsic enjoyment of reading. Over time, the student may no longer find reading as enjoyable without the extrinsic reward, and their motivation to read may decline.
Additionally, as the reward program continues, there may be unintended consequences or unintended behaviors that are accidentally reinforced. For instance, if a reward program in a classroom focuses on rewarding students for completing their homework, some students may start rushing through their homework or copying from others just to receive the reward, rather than focusing on understanding the material.