Can Neurofeedback Training Decrease Cognitive Bias? An Exploratory Analysis

Cognitive biases are ubiquitous and finding ways to mitigate them has been an ongoing challenge. Here, we explore the possibility that brain training or neurofeedback could alter a particular bias that presents itself in a card selection task. Specifically, we address the win-stay/lose-shift strategy in the Iowa Gambling Task. Data was analyzed from a large neurofeedback study in which participants were trained to enhance the spectral power in the theta band (4–8 Hz) over 10 sessions. An active control group was included whose members were trained to enhance their sensorimotor rhythm (12–15 Hz). We show that theta power did increase over the sessions and that strategy use was modulated as a consequence. However, the impact was on the P(shift|loss), but not on P(stay|win) or P(WSLS). This was independent of the training group. The results are discussed in terms of different temporal scales associated with neural modulation of P(shift|loss) and P(stay|win). Suggestions for further research are provided in light of challenges during the running of the study.