Final answer:
Intrinsic rewards are those that provide a sense of achievement and accomplishment. They come from within the individual and are contrasted with external rewards. Studies show that intrinsic motivation may be reduced by expected extrinsic rewards but enhanced by unexpected ones or intangible rewards like praise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Intrinsic rewards can be classified as rewards that provide a sense of achievement and accomplishment. These are the rewards that come from within the individual, as opposed to being provided by an external source. Research has indicated that tangible rewards, such as money, might have more negative effects on intrinsic motivation than intangible rewards like praise. It's also noted that if extrinsic rewards are expected, they can decrease intrinsic motivation, while unexpected extrinsic rewards may not affect, or can even boost, intrinsic motivation.
Moreover, different studies have shown that intrinsic motivation isn't necessarily undermined by extrinsic reinforcements, suggesting that something like verbal praise could, in fact, enhance intrinsic motivation. This ties into job satisfaction, suggesting that intrinsic rewards and aspects of a job, such as autonomy, can be more predictive of job satisfaction compared to extrinsic rewards like financial compensation.