The Morin Z-Reduction Task (M-ZRT)

Suspension of Instrumental Framing as a Threshold Mechanism for Ease

Author: Florian Morin
Year: 2026
Type: Protocol (experimental probe)
Version: v3.0
Canonical URL: florianmorin.com/papers/morin-non-use-task.html

Version history

v3.1: Minor corrections

v3.0: Simplified protocol

v2.0: Minor revisions + warm-up section + figure

v1.0: Initial release.

Abstract

The Morin Z-Reduction Task (M-ZRT) is a minimal monitoring-disruption protocol designed to probe a falsifiable prediction: access to a distinct high positive affect regime ("ease") occurs through a thresholded, discontinuous transition when evaluative monitoring and micro-optimization are sufficiently destabilized. The task is not a training method, but an entry probe.

Conceptual role

M-ZRT operationalizes the entry window described in Ease and Affective Collapse Under Causal Closure. It targets anticipatory evaluative capture rather than reward amplification. The central hypothesis is that monitoring functions primarily as an access constraint at entry.

Operational definition of a positive hit

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.
At least one instance of persistence beyond acute stimulation (when caffeine or alcohol are used).

Minimal outcome logging

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

Non-negotiable falsifiers

Monitoring load does not affect entry probability.
Caffeine alone reproduces the effect without structural constraints.
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, F. (2026). The Morin Z-Reduction Task (M-ZRT): Suspension of Instrumental Framing as a Threshold Mechanism for Ease. Preprint. Canonical version: https://florianmorin.com/Morin-Z-Reduction-Task.html.

BibTeX

@article{morin2026mnut,
  title   = {The Morin Z-Reduction Task (M-ZRT): Suspension of Instrumental Framing as a Threshold Mechanism for Ease}
  author  = {Morin, Florian},
  year    = {2026},
  url     = {https://florianmorin.com/papers/Morin-Z-Reduction-Task.html
}
}

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