Value of one extra marshmallow: 4 cents. Time it takes to earn an extra marshmallow: 20 minutes. Hourly earned value (assuming you like marshmallows): 12 cent

Value of one extra marshmallow: 4 cents. Time it takes to earn an extra marshmallow: 20 minutes. Hourly earned value (assuming you like marshmallows): 12 cents. Reasons not to like marshmallows: The principal ingredient is gelatin, a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. And they don't really taste that great. It has always seemed to me that the best strategy in this situation is to eat the marshmallow right away in the hopes that the psychologists will let you out of the room early. A better strategy might be to refuse to stay in the room for 20 minutes.