Pulsed tVNS Protocol and Reinforcement Learning

Pulsed tVNS stands for transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation, a method to stimulate the vagus nerve through the skin. This study will test if pulsed tVNS can help with learning tasks by using it during different stages of learning, like when you take an action or receive a reward. The study involves phasic signals, which are short bursts of stimulation. Researchers want to see if this can improve decision-making, which might help people with mental health issues in the future.

• You will attend three sessions. The first checks your eye response to the stimulation.
• In the other two sessions, you will undergo learning tasks with either real or fake stimulation. Each session lasts about an hour.
• Participants must be 18-35 years old and healthy, but there are multiple conditions that will exclude you from participating.

The study uses a special device to deliver the stimulation, and you will be compensated for your time. In the end, this might help create new ways to support people with learning difficulties or mental health challenges.