The traditional theory of self reinforcement is based on the criteria of self reinforcement and the self-decision of reward amounts. The behaviors have been considered to be formed only by the results or the performance scores of the previous behaviors in the traditional theory, i.e. self reinforcements contingent on the performance are controlled by the results of the previous performance and the amounts of reinforcement. In "social learning theory", proposed by Bandura (1977), on the contrary, it is postulated that the incentive toys such as game or puzzle rings themselves could be the agents to evoke behavious, regardless of the results of the previous behavious, and the lack of extrinsic reinforcements. Behavior itself may contain the incentives in it, and it may act as a reinforcing reward. Therefore, that is called an intrinsic motivation or an intrinsic reinforcement. The present study was designed to clarify the assumption that behavious might not be maintained only by the results of the previous behavior and the external reinforcement, but they might be controlled by the intrinsic reinforcement. Twenty-four children were equally assigned to each of the following three conditions; the group of intrinsic reinforcement (Group A). the group of extrinsic reinforcement (Group B), and the control group (Group C). The experiment consisted of three sessions; The interest or concern of the children toward the smart-ball game were measured in the 1st session (20min.). In the 2nd session (60min.) the children of group A were instructed to play freely in the experimental room where the game apparatus and other toys were set. They were not given any external reinforcement. The children of Group B were told that the rewards (candy) would be given according to their performance scores. The children of Group C were instructed to play at will in another room where the game apparatus was not set. The same instructions as in the 2 nd session were given to the children of Group A. in the 3rd session (60min.). The children of Group B were not given the extrinsic reinforcements. The children of Group C played in the experimental room again. The main results were as follows; (1) Significant differences were not found in the 1st session (operant level) among three groups. (2) The time and the number of trials of the game behavior increased significantly as the session went on. (3) The children of Group A played the game as long as those of Group B in the 3rd session, regardless of the lack of the extrinsic reinforcement. (4) The children of Group B played the game in the 3rd session as long and many times as in the 2nd session, although they were not rewarded externally in the 3rd session. (5) The ratios of success in the game were equal in three groups over the sessions. In conclusion, it was revealed that the game behavior increased gradually as the session went on, even if there existed no extrinsic reinforcement. Considering the fact that the game of the present experiment was the first experience to all the children, the game begaviors are thought to be caused by the intrinsic reinforcement that has been internalized in the game behavior itself.
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