Which of the following best describes the concept 'incentive'?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: Which of the following best describes the concept 'incentive'?

First, note that the provided data includes only one described option: 'd. A positive benefit that motivates a person to change their behaviour in some way'.

Exploring what an incentive typically means: an incentive is something that motivates or encourages a person to act, often functioning as a positive reinforcement or reward that influences future behavior. In this sense, incentives are external or internal benefits that increase the likelihood of a particular behavior by offering a favorable outcome if the behavior occurs.

Why this description fits well: this option emphasizes a positive benefit and the motivational effect on behavior, which aligns with the core idea of incentives driving decisions and actions toward a desired change or outcome. The phrase 'positive benefit' highlights the desirability or reward aspect, while 'motivates a person to change their behaviour' captures the causal role incentives play in prompting new or adjusted behavior.

Potential misconceptions to avoid: 
- An incentive should not be confused with intrinsic motivation alone; incentives can be external (like a bonus) or internal (like personal satisfaction), but the key feature is that they motivate action by offering a benefit. 
- Incentives are not the same as obligations or punishments; those elements may influence behavior, but an incentive specifically involves a beneficial payoff that encourages a change.
- Some people might conflate incentives with rewards after the fact rather than the anticipatory benefit that motivates the initial behavior; the standard usage emphasizes the future-oriented motivating benefit.

In sum, the described statement captures the essence of an incentive as a positive, motivating outcome that encourages someone to alter their behavior, which is consistent with the general understanding of the term.

Which of the following best describes the concept 'incentive'?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Match each scenario with one of the following choices: Perverse Incentives, Moral Hazard, "Law" of Unintended/Unforeseen Consequences.

All are true except

In the 1800s, the federal government paid railroad companies for each mile of track built. This payment scheme created incentives for railroad companies to lay track:

Regarding the use of incentives as an influence on decision-making, which of the following is correct?