Question

1 point
the best method to understand the causal effect of a reward on an intrinsically motivated behavior is to
conduct an experiment in which intrinsic motivation for a behavior is tested prior to administering a reward for that same behavior in a random sample of the participants and then then measure the motivation after the reward is taken away.
conduct a cross-sectional study in which a large sample of individuals are interviewed extensively about their intrinsic motivation for a behavior and the effect of rewards
conduct an experiment where a random sample of the participants are given a reward for a given behavior and measure whether the behavior increases
conduct a correlational study where the relationship between participants self-reported intrinsic motivation for a behavior is correlated with the rewards they receive for that behavior

Explanation:

To establish a causal effect, an experimental design with pre-testing, random assignment, and post-testing (after removing the reward) is needed. Cross-sectional, correlational, or simple behavior-measure experiments cannot isolate the causal impact of the reward on intrinsic motivation, as they don't control variables or measure the change in intrinsic motivation itself. The first option uses a true experimental approach with pre- and post-reward removal measurement of intrinsic motivation, which is the gold standard for causal inference.

Answer:

conduct an experiment in which intrinsic motivation for a behavior is tested prior to administering a reward for that same behavior in a random sample of the participants and then measure the motivation after the reward is taken away.