Force-Matching Task Data Files and Analysis Code

The force-matching task integrates haptic technology and electrical engineering to determine an individual’s level of sensory attenuation to somatic stimuli. The task requires a detailed methodology to facilitate reliable and replicable estimates, and there has been a distinct lack of re-evaluation of the methodological processes related to this paradigm. In this task, subjects are asked to match a force delivered to their finger, either by pressing directly on their own finger with their other hand (known as the direct condition) or by controlling the device using an external potentiometer to control the force indirectly through a torque motor (known as the slider condition). We analysed N=138 subjects to determine 1) the optimal number of replications (2, 4, 6 or 8 replications) of the target force, 2) the optimal time-window (1-1.5s, 1.5-2s, 2-2.5s and 2.5-3s) to extract the estimate of sensory attenuation, 3) if participants’ performance during the task improved, worsened or was stable across the experimental period regardless of condition, and 4) if learning effects were related to psychological traits. 

.do script file can be read using STATA