Data from ‘Placebo Enhances Reward Learning in Healthy Individuals’

Abstract

This dataset contains three repeated measures of a standard reward-based reinforcement-learning task from 29 healthy male individuals who participated in three experimental sessions exploring cognitive placebo effects on reward learning. The dataset includes behavioural data (accuracy, reaction times) during learning and transfer, estimates of model-free computational analysis, self-reported arousal values, and expectations about the interventions’ efficacy. The data were collected in 2014 at the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany. The data collection and formal analysis used a triple-blind study design as participants, operator and analyst were unaware of conditions. A github repository contains data and analyses for the paper “Placebo Intervention Enhances Reward Learning in Healthy Individuals”. The dataset can be used for further analysis, reference, validation studies, teaching purposes, and collaborative research. Funding statement: This study was supported by the DFG (PA 419/15-1) awarded to WP. The preparation of this manuscript was supported by the “Research program, University Medical Center, University of Goettingen” awarded to Z.T.

Keywords

• placebo effect
• cognitive placebo effect
• non-invasive brain stimulation
• transcranial direct current stimulation
• transcranial near infrared laser stimulation
• reward learning
• model-free reinforcement learning