Abstract
The Effort-Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT) has gained validity evidence from several studies. However, various modifications have been applied to the original version, which have never been compared systematically. In Study 1, we tested 120 healthy participants to directly compare two versions of the EEfRT. In Study 2, we tested a larger sample of 394 healthy participants to further examine the original EEfRT. We replicated the split-half reliability of both task versions. However, self-reported personality traits (e.g., trait BAS) correlated with only some task performance parameters in Study 1, which did not replicate for the original EEfRT in Study 2. Our results indicate complex and sometimes inconsistent relations between different personality traits, task properties, and reward attributes.
Highlights
Harmon-Jones et al [1] (p. 291) define approach motivation as “the impulse to go toward”, which is based on internal state or trait—related processes and initiates behavior which is often associated with reaching specific goals
A variety of self-report measures are available for the assessment of personality traits related to sensitivity to rewards and punishment, ranging from the commonly used behavioral inhibition system (BIS) / behavioral activation system (BAS) scales [6] to the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) [7] measuring anticipatory pleasure and consummatory pleasure
As Study 1 is one of the first studies to test two versions of the Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT) within one experimental design, we further evaluated the validity of both tasks by exploratorily correlating the main dependent variables of both task versions within all three different probability of reward attainment categories and all three different reward magnitude categories
Summary
Harmon-Jones et al [1] (p. 291) define approach motivation as “the impulse to go toward”, which is based on internal state or trait—related processes and initiates behavior which is often (but not necessarily) associated with reaching specific goals. The field of personality research related to approach motivation is often linked to Gray‘s model of personality, which culminated in his Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) [4, 5]. A variety of self-report measures are available for the assessment of personality traits related to sensitivity to rewards and punishment, ranging from the commonly used BIS / BAS scales [6] to the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) [7] measuring anticipatory pleasure and consummatory pleasure. Multiple behavioral tasks to measure approach motivation have been developed in a post-hoc manner and / or are based on animal models [11]. A majority of these tasks utilize physical effort, which participants have to invest to gain rewards.
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