Regime Structure as a Hidden Variable in Engagement Research

the Z variable

Author: Florian Morin
Year: 2026
Type: Research note
DOI: TBD
Canonical URL: florianmorin.com/papers/regime-structure-z-variable.html

Abstract

This note argues that many engagement effects are misattributed to stimulus content when they are in fact regime-dependent. Certain experiential modes collapse under evaluative conditions and persist only when evaluative demands are sufficiently reduced. The central hidden variable is regime structure: permissive versus evaluative. To formalize evaluative load, Z is decomposed into accumulated load (Z_acc), a discrete structural transition toward anticipatory monitoring (Z_shift), and contextual evaluative demands (Z_ctx).

Core claim

Engagement outcomes may depend less on what is presented than on whether experience must justify, compare, anticipate, or monitor itself. The same stimulus can yield distinct outcomes depending on regime.

Operational indicators

Engagement continuity rather than intensity ratings.
Recognition without preference.
Resistance to interruption.
Absence of spontaneous evaluative narration.

The Z architecture

Z_acc - accumulated exposure to evaluative structuring over time.
Z_shift - a discrete transition where anticipatory monitoring becomes stably recruited.
Z_ctx - evaluative demands induced by the immediate environment.

Falsifiability

Engagement collapses even when contextual evaluation is minimized and endogenous monitoring is low.
Evaluative operations do not reduce engagement under otherwise identical conditions.
No difference appears between discrepancy-preserving and discrepancy-closing stimuli under matched regime conditions.
Effects are fully explained by novelty or sensory load alone.

Download

Download PDF

How to cite

Morin, F. (2026). Regime Structure as a Hidden Variable in Engagement Research: the Z variable. Preprint. Canonical page: https://florianmorin.com/papers/regime-structure-z-variable.html. DOI: TBD.

BibTeX

@article{morin2026regimestructure,
  title   = {Regime Structure as a Hidden Variable in Engagement Research: the Z variable},
  author  = {Morin, Florian},
  year    = {2026},
  url     = {https://florianmorin.com/papers/regime-structure-z-variable.html}
}

Back to corpus