{"id":1429,"slug":"vallerand-reid-1984-positive-feedback-perceived-competence-mediates","title":"Vallerand & Reid (1984), Journal of Sport Psychology (N=115/84) — positive feedback INCREASES while negative feedback DECREASES intrinsic motivation; perceived competence MEDIATES","kind":"reference","scope":"business","status":"current","audiences":["kevin","smb-owner","candid-team"],"topics":["interactive-tool-mechanisms","self-determination-theory"],"reference_body":"**Claim:** **Vallerand & Reid (1984), \"On the causal effects of perceived competence on intrinsic motivation: A test of cognitive evaluation theory,\" *Journal of Sport Psychology* 6, 94-102** (N=115 phase 1; 84 returned). One-way ANOVA showed \"**positive feedback increased while negative feedback decreased both intrinsic motivation and perceived competence**,\" and path analysis \"**supported the mediating effects of perceived competence on intrinsic motivation**.\"\n\n**Source:** Vallerand & Reid (1984), Journal of Sport Psychology.\n\n**Confidence:** Verified.\n\n**Why this matters for Candid:** Settles the contextual-feedback design question for tools. A tool that **makes the user feel effective** (clean inputs → clear positive output) **multiplies** the engagement effect; a confusing or error-pronouncing tool **inverts** it. Mediation through perceived competence is the operational lever.","rationale_body":null,"metadata":null,"links":{"outgoing":[{"slug":"norton-mochon-ariely-2012-ikea-effect-completion","title":"Norton, Mochon & Ariely (2012), Journal of Consumer Psychology — IKEA effect: effort/co-creation raises valuation of the result (\"labor leads to love\") BUT ONLY WHEN TASK IS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED","kind":"reference","scope":"business","link_type":"relates-to"},{"slug":"deci-ryan-2000-self-determination-theory-foundational","title":"Deci & Ryan (1985, 2000) Self-Determination Theory — intrinsic motivation supported by three needs: autonomy + competence + relatedness","kind":"reference","scope":"business","link_type":"depends-on"}],"incoming":[{"slug":"research-brief-engagement-mechanisms-top-up-smb-june-2026","title":"Research notes (capture-layer top-up): why interactive online tools are psychologically engaging — six additional mechanisms (June 2026)","kind":"research-notes","scope":"business","link_type":"relates-to"},{"slug":"rule-support-agency-and-competence-not-choice-overload","title":"R3 — Support agency + competence (2-4 meaningful choices + positive contextual feedback); avoid choice overload and frustration; let the user DO the work","kind":"rule","scope":"business","link_type":"depends-on"}]},"created_at":"2026-06-20T19:24:15.942Z","updated_at":"2026-06-20T19:24:15.942Z"}