Approach-motivated pregoal states enhance the reward positivity

Past work has demonstrated that the reward positivity (RewP) indexes a performance-monitoring system sensitive to positive outcomes. However, studies have not investigated how approach-motivated states occurring in goal pursuit influence performance monitoring. Using a modified monetary incentive delay task, participants played a reaction time game evoking approach-motivated pregoal (reward trials) or neutral (no-reward trials) states. Then, they received trial feedback resulting in monetary gain or no gain. Results revealed that the RewP was larger to win feedback on reward trials than win or no-win feedback after neutral trials. P3 amplitudes were larger to infrequent feedback than frequent feedback, regardless of trial type or outcome. Furthermore, faster reaction times on reward trials related to larger RewP amplitudes after approach-motivated pregoal states. Approach-motivated pregoal states enhance RewP amplitudes for both successful and unsuccessful goal outcomes. Enhanced performance, as measured by faster reaction times, in approach-motivated pregoal states relates to enhanced performance monitoring.