Figure 1. Schematic depiction of experimental flow and remote associates word problems task.

(a) Following a 9-minute practice period in which participants practiced completing remote associates word problems, participants were assigned to a “No Reward” or “Reward” group. During the performance period, all participants completed additional remote associates word problems. The session ended with a 5-minute free-choice period during which participants were given the option to complete more problems, turn off the screen, or read an archived digital newspaper. “Intrinsic motivation” was operationalized as percent of free-choice time spent completing word problems during this free-choice period. (b) For each word problem, participants were presented with two words and asked to complete the blank with another word that forms a common phrase or compound word with each of the two onscreen words. Participants typed their responses with an onscreen keyboard. Upon submitting an answer, participants were shown onscreen feedback indicating “The most common answer is [‘ship’].” Word problem trial onsets were the events of interest in the present analysis.