The combined effect of music-induced emotions and neuromodulation on economic decision making: a tDCS study

Literature highlights how decision makers' behaviour is not driven by pure self-interest but also by emotions. Recent studies have refined these results by including the role of neurological basis. This study aimed at investigating the effect of music-induced emotions and tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) neuromodulation of the DLPFC (Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex) on the decision-makers' behaviour when playing the Ultimatum Game (UG). 108 participants were randomly assigned to: (i) a tDCS condition; (ii) a music-elicited emotion condition. After receiving the tDCS stimulation and listening to music, participants played the role of proposer in four rounds of UG. Responders were presented as more or less likely to accept an unfair offer. Results suggest that inducing emotions through music affects economic decision-making, in particular when combined with neuromodulation of the DLPFC. After cathodal stimulation participants tended to be more strategic when making decisions, differentiating their offers depending on the responder's characteristics.