What is an example of an external reward influencing behavior?

Receiving praise or prizes for accomplishments is an exemplary representation of an external reward influencing behavior. This concept falls under operant conditioning in psychology, where external consequences, such as rewards from others or tangible incentives, encourage individuals to repeat certain behaviors.

When individuals are rewarded externally, such as through verbal praise, trophies, or other forms of recognition, it reinforces the behavior that led to that reward. This reinforcement often motivates individuals to engage in similar behaviors in the future, as they associate these actions with positive outcomes. In contrast, the other options reflect intrinsic motivations or scenarios without clear external rewards—such as personal goals or internal satisfaction—where behavior is driven by internal desires or values rather than external validations or incentives.