Un p’tit chocolat ?
In this study, we experimentally examine the effect of experiencing a rejection of a creative idea on future creative performance, and whether the effect of a rejection is moderated by the reward type used to motivate future creativity. Specifically, we hypothesize that the effect of a rejection on future creative performance will be mitigated when tangible rewards are provided compared to when cash rewards are provided. We derive this prediction from the recent work in behavioral economics that argues that tangible rewards will activate a “non-calculative” process in which experiences of success/failure are less likely to be translated into future expected pay-offs compared to cash rewards that activate a more “calculative” process.