· Respond to at least two (2) peers
· APA format
· 100 word minimum each reply
Peer 1: Heymi
Amsel’s frustration theory is based on the assumption that when an individual experiences a blockage or interference in achieving a goal, they will become frustrated. This frustration then leads to various behavioral and cognitive responses as the individual tries to cope with or overcome the obstacle.
The theory explains paradoxical reward effects by suggesting that in some cases, individuals may actually find satisfaction or pleasure from overcoming obstacles or challenges that initially caused them frustration. This creates a paradox where what was originally perceived as negative (frustration) ends up leading to positive outcomes (reward) (Bouton, 2018).
The two recent situations where this theory resulted in paradoxical reward effects are:
1. One embarrassing situation where I faced an unexpected challenge was when my children asked me to teach them to swim when I did not know how to. My initial feelings of frustration turned into motivation once I overcame the obstacle. I started practicing several times until I knew enough to teach them. The satisfaction I had once I taught the first how to swim was awesome.
2. There have also been times when I have tried several disaster recipes in the kitchen, which is not my strong suit. After several attempts, I experienced setbacks but felt more accomplished after successfully dealing with those setbacks. Once I had cooked a delicious meal I felt more confident. Before I would continuously buy takeout, but now my confidence motivates me to cook daily.
Reference
Bouton, M. E. (2018).
Learning and behavior: A contemporary synthesis (2nd ed.). Sinauer Associates.
Peer 2: Paytn
Amsel’s Frustration Theory is about how frustration from not getting an expected reward influences behavior and learning (Amsel, 1958). Here are the main ideas:
1.
Frustration as a Motivator: When someone expects a reward and doesn’t get it, they feel frustrated. This frustration can push them to try harder or change their behavior.
2.
Frustration-Induced Behavior: The behaviors that come after frustration are usually efforts to deal with or reduce that frustration, which can sometimes be surprising or unexpected.
3.
Conditioned Frustration: Over time, people can start to associate certain cues or situations with frustration. These cues then trigger frustration, which affects their behavior.
4.
Partial Reinforcement Effect: This theory helps explain why behaviors that are only sometimes rewarded are harder to get rid of than those that are always rewarded. The frustration from not always getting the reward makes people more persistent.
Paradoxical Reward Effects
Paradoxical reward effects happen when the presence or absence of rewards leads to surprising changes in behavior. Amsel’s theory explains these effects by focusing on the role of frustration and how it becomes conditioned.
Situation 1: Workplace Incentives
Imagine an employee who usually gets a bonus at the end of each quarter for meeting performance targets. One quarter, they don’t get the bonus even though they met the targets. According to Amsel’s Frustration Theory, the employee feels frustrated because they didn’t get the expected reward.
Paradoxically, instead of slacking off, the employee might work even harder in the next quarter. This is because the frustration from not getting the bonus makes them more determined to avoid that feeling next time.
Situation 2: Student Exam Preparation
Think of a student who usually gets praised and high grades for their exam performance. For one exam, despite studying hard, they get a lower grade than expected. The frustration from this lower grade can lead to a paradoxical effect.
Instead of being demotivated, the student might study even more for the next exam. The frustration from not getting the expected grade drives them to work harder to avoid that feeling again.
Explanation
In both examples, frustration plays a key role. Not getting the expected reward creates frustration, which then becomes a conditioned response. This conditioned frustration pushes people to change their behavior in surprising ways—like working harder after a disappointment. Amsel’s Frustration Theory helps explain these paradoxical reward effects by showing how powerful frustration can be as a motivator.
Reference:
Amsel, A. (1958). The role of frustrative nonreward in noncontinuous reward situations.
Psychological Bulletin, 55(2), 102-119.
