Coming to Grips with the Past: Effect of repeated simulation on the perceived plausibility

An experimental study by Felipe De Brigard of Harvard University examining the influence of repeated simulation on the perceived plausibility of episodic counterfactual thoughts. Participants recalled negative, positive, and neutral autobiographical memories and later re-simulated self-generated counterfactual alternatives either once or four times. The results indicate that repeated simulation decreases perceived plausibility while increasing ratings of ease, detail, and valence.

Use Cases

• Modeling the relationship between simulation frequency and perceived plausibility based on the described experimental paradigm.
• Analyzing differences in ease, detail, and valence ratings for upward, downward, and neutral counterfactuals as mentioned in the description.
• Investigating potential implications for pathological and non-pathological anxiety discussed in the study findings.

Strengths

• Data originates from a controlled experimental paradigm described in the study.
• Study design includes manipulation of simulation frequency (once vs. four times) and memory valence (negative, positive, neutral).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Felipe De Brigard, Harvard University

Collection Method

Experimental study using a novel paradigm where participants recalled autobiographical memories and simulated counterfactual alternatives.