What can be a consequence of over-reinforcement?

The consequence of over-reinforcement is primarily the increased dependence on external rewards. When individuals receive frequent or excessive reinforcement for their actions, they may come to rely on these external rewards to motivate their behavior rather than developing their own intrinsic motivation. This can lead to a scenario where the individual expects rewards for every action and may struggle to perform tasks without the provision of these external incentives. Over time, this dependence can diminish their ability to engage in activities for the pleasure or satisfaction derived from the activity itself, rather than for a tangible reward.

In contrast, while improved engagement, heightened intrinsic motivation for learning, and clarification of expected behaviors can be positive outcomes of reinforcement, they are not direct consequences of overdoing it. Instead, these outcomes are more likely associated with balanced reinforcement strategies that foster intrinsic motivation and self-direction in learning and behavior.