Using the Pavlovian to Instrumental Transfer (PIT) Paradigm to compare Motivations for earning Money for an Unknown Purpose with Motivations to earn Money for Oneself Andrea Tanke (5519985) Utrecht University First supervisor: Dr. H. Marien Second supervisor: Dr. R. Custers Date: 28-06-2019 Publicly accessible: Yes Word count:

Abstract

Motivational differences between earning money for an unknown purpose and earning money for oneself has been examined using the Pavlovian to Instrumental (PIT) paradigm. This paradigm investigates how stimuli influence instrumental actions towards outcomes which are dependent of the motivational state of an individual. Forty-six participants received instrumental training where they learned the associations between two responses and the outcomes 10 cents for a ME account or 10 cents for a STASH account. Followed by Pavlovian Training where they learned the association between stimuli and the two outcomes 10 cents for the ME account and 10 cents for the STASH account. Finally, the participants had the test phase where they performed instrumental actions in the presence and absence of the conditioned stimuli. Results have been analysed using repeated measure ANOVA. Findings indicate that the conditioned stimuli did not affect the instrumental actions meaning that there is no PIT effect, so there is no motivation for earning money for oneself and earning money for an unknown purpose. Limitations of the study are the small sample group as well as the limited financial reward. These should be addressed in future research.