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Evaluative Monitoring and Access to Intense Positive Affect

The Minimal Z-Reduction Task

Author: Florian Morin
Year: 2026
Type: Protocol
Version: June, 14, 2026

Abstract

The Minimal Z-Reduction Task (M-ZRT) is a minimal monitoring-disruption probe designed to test a falsifiable prediction: access to a distinct positive affect regime ("ease") may occur through threshold-like transitions when evaluative monitoring and micro-optimization processes are sufficiently destabilized. The task is not intended as a training method or intervention, but as an experimental probe of access conditions.

Conceptual role

M-ZRT operationalizes the entry conditions proposed in the broader ease framework. Rather than amplifying reward, the task targets evaluative capture, anticipatory correction, and performance monitoring. The central hypothesis is that monitoring acts primarily as an access constraint during regime entry.

Predicted transition signature

A valid M-zrt effect is defined by a discontinuity signature:

• Repeated clean failures prior to first access.
• Abrupt onset rather than gradual amplification.
• Qualitative distinctness from ordinary mood or arousal.
• Cross-context generalization within 24 hours.

Minimal outcome logging

• Daily access (0/1)
• Latency to entry (minutes)
• Duration (minutes)
• Intensity (0 to 10)
• Context

Predictions inconsistent with the framework

• Monitoring load does not affect entry probability.
• Entry probability scales primarily with performance or winning.
• Reports are indistinguishable from ordinary arousal or mood elevation.

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How to cite

Morin, Florian, Evaluative Monitoring and Access to Intense Positive Affect: The Minimal Z-Reduction Task Framework (June 06, 2026). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=6888300 or https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6888300

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BibTeX

@article{morin2026mnut,
  title   = {Evaluative Monitoring and Access to Intense Positive
Affect: The Minimal Z-Reduction Task
}
  author  = {Morin, Florian},
  year    = {2026},
  url     = {https://florianmorin.com/papers/Minimal-Z-Reduction-Task
  DOI	  = dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6888300	
}

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