Final answer:
Extrinsic motivation may undermine intrinsic motivation, particularly when rewards are expected, leading to a reduction in intrinsic satisfaction, known as the overjustification effect. However, reinforcement such as praise may sometimes enhance intrinsic motivation, depending on the context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that BEST expresses the potential effect of extrinsic motivation on intrinsic motivation is: A. Extrinsic motivation may undermine intrinsic motivation. This is supported by various studies which suggest that while extrinsic rewards, such as money, can decrease intrinsic motivation, intangible rewards like praise may have a lesser negative effect or might even boost intrinsic motivation in some scenarios.
It has been observed that when extrinsic rewards are expected, they can reduce the intrinsic satisfaction derived from an activity. This is known as the overjustification effect, where intrinsic motivation is diminished because an individual starts to attribute their actions to the extrinsic rewards rather than their own interest in the activity.
Moreover, reinforcement through external means, such as praise, can potentially enhance intrinsic motivation if it aligns well with the individual's sense of self-determination and competence. However, this effect is nuanced and may depend on several factors such as timing, the type of extrinsic motivator, and the context in which it is given.