Final answer:
The question explores how infusing a task with purpose affects motivation and performance. Studies indicate that motivation can be highly dependent on both internal beliefs and external social and structural factors. Understanding the balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is key to maximizing performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking to study the concept of whether infusing a task with purpose can motivate high performance. The references provided suggest a complex relationship between motivation, arousal levels, and performance on various types of tasks. The study by Adam Grant implies that public demonstrations and the potential for public failure can be a strong motivator for students, suggesting that social factors and the presence of an audience can increase the effort exerted on difficult tasks. The arousal theory posits that there is an optimal level of arousal for task performance; difficult tasks are executed better when arousal is lower, whereas easy tasks require higher arousal for optimal performance. Meanwhile, Cohen's bear analogy describes how a clear and pressing goal can focus actions and override deeper motivational analysis during performance-driven situations. Additionally, research by McClung and Collins highlights the power of the placebo effect on performance, indicating that belief in a performance-enhancing aid can yield improvements even in the absence of an actual effective substance. Lastly, sociologists Davis and Moore point to the social structure as a motivator, meaning that higher rewards incentivize harder and better work, which touches upon how external rewards might impact intrinsic motivation.