reward systems
Reinforcement-based motivation frameworks
Reward systems are structures that provide incentives for desired behaviors or outcomes.
In organizations, they include compensation, bonuses, recognition, and promotion pathways: The company overhauled its reward system to emphasize teamwork over individual performance.
In neuroscience and psychology, the brain's reward system refers to circuits that regulate pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement learning—the dopamine pathways that make certain experiences feel good and drive us to repeat them.
- bonusesAdded compensation beyond wages
- positive reinforcementStrengthening behavior through rewards
- carrot and stickReward plus punishment approach
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- brain chemistryBrain's chemical signaling processes
merit pay · pay raise · gamification · operant conditioning · promotions · gold star · pat on the back · profit sharing · token economy · habit formation · performance appraisals · behavioral economics · incentives · employee benefits · stock options · punishment · points · brain
- RPG designgame balance, player agency, worldbuilding, house rules, homebrew
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- Kids Moneyallowances, piggy banks, saving, spending, pocket money
- self-controlself-control, restraint, willpower, composure, moderation
- game designmechanics, level design, game balance, balancing, playtesting
- gaming psychologyflow state, dopamine, immersion, gratification, feedback loops
reward systemspunitive measures
Actions imposing penalties
sanctions · negative reinforcement · corrective measures · retribution