Consent form for participation in this online experiment
Study Information
Thank you for your interest in our study!
This is the first session of a two-part experiment. After completing this session,
you will be invited to participate in the second session, which will take place approximately one day later.
Please read the following information carefully.
Participation in this research is voluntary, and it is entirely your choice whether or not to take part.
If you have any questions or need further information about the study, feel free to contact us at:
aswath.chandrasekaran@student.uni-tuebingen.de
1. Purpose
This study aims to investigate human decision-making and exploration processes.
2. Procedure
You will begin by receiving detailed instructions about the task, followed by a short comprehension check to ensure that you have understood the procedure correctly.
After this, you will proceed to the main task. Please note that your performance in the main task will influence your bonus payment, which will only be issued after you have completed both sessions of the study.
The total estimated time for this session is approximately 15 minutes.
3. Compensation
You will receive £4 for your participation. You can also earn a bonus of up to £4 depending on your
performance in the task, payable after you complete Session 2.
4. Data protection
Once we have awarded you your bonus payment, your Prolific ID will be deleted from the study data. The experiment
data will be stored under a randomly assigned participant number on a server at the University of Tübingen. This
means that it will become impossible to link the study data to you. All data collected during this study will be
treated confidentially and all individuals with access to your personal data are obliged to maintain data secrecy.
We are not responsible for the handling of your personal data through the Prolific platform.
The study data may also be made publicly accessible via research databases or scientific publications (typically via
the internet). This makes it possible for other researchers to check or replicate the results and enhances the
quality of scientific research. The study data may also be used for new research questions going beyond the purposes
of this particular study. The data is stored anonymously, treated confidentially, and used only for scientific
purposes. You are free to withdraw, in which case recorded data will not be used (cf. point 6).
5. Voluntary participation
Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. There will be no repercussions when canceling your
participation.
6. Right to refuse or withdraw
You do not have to take part in this study if you do not wish to do so. You are free to withdraw your consent and do
not need to provide a reason for your withdrawal. Participants who drop out of the study for any reason (e.g.,
technical issues) are eligible for full or partial compensation. Please contact
aswath.chandrasekaran@student.uni-tuebingen.de and include a screenshot of the experiment website if possible. If you withdraw from the study before data collection is completed, your data will not be used. If you withdraw from the
study after completing the study, but before bonus payments have been processed, you can request the deletion of
your data. After the processing of bonus payments, your Prolific ID will be removed from the study data and it will
be fully anonymized, making it not possible to link you with your data.
7. Risks
Your participation does not involve any physical or emotional risk to you. You are free to withdraw at any time.
8. Insurance coverage
Not necessary for participating in this study.
9. Responsible contact
If you have questions or if there are any problems, please contact aswath.chandrasekaran@student.uni-tuebingen.de.
You can also use this email to request the withdrawal of your data.
Consent
By clicking on the button below, you agree to the following:
I have read and understood the conditions outlined above. I consent to participate in the study and agree
to the collection, storage, and use of my data as described above.
Welcome!
Thank you for participating in our study!
This experiment is the first of two sessions. After completing Session 1, you will receive an invitation for Session 2 approximately one day later — so do your best! 🎯
As an extra incentive, you'll earn a bonus payment based on your performance, payable once you've completed both sessions.
In this first session, you'll take on the role of a dwarf miner ⛏️, exploring caves to collect valuable ores. Don't worry—we'll explain everything step-by-step, and you'll have an opportunity to practice your mining skills before starting.
When you're ready, click Continue to begin your adventure!
Day 1 Mining Task
In this experiment, you'll see a series of caves displayed on an 8x8 grid.
Your task is to mine valuable ores by clicking on the tiles.
Each tile contains a certain amount of ore, and here's some good news: these caves are magical! Ores renew themselves, meaning if you mine the same tile again, you'll get approximately the same amount of ore.
Ore amounts are stable, so previous good spots remain good!
You're free to revisit tiles as you like —but choose wisely. Your pickaxe can only handle a limited number of clicks before breaking! ⛏️
Your goal: Collect as much ore as possible before your pickaxe breaks.
Click "Start Demo" below to practice mining and sharpen your skills! 🚀
Great Job!
Feeling a bit lost in the caves? Don't worry—there's help on the way! At the start of each cave, you'll receive useful information about its ore distribution shown through the colours below:
• Smooth caves: Ore amounts are similar across large regions.
• Rough caves: Ore amounts are grouped in smaller clusters.
For illustration purposes darker colours on the grid indicate areas with higher amounts of ore.
These colours will also help you identify the type of cave you are in.
At the start of each round, the cave type will be displayed, and the grid will have a coloured border to remind you of the cave's ore distribution:
Additionally, the maximum amount of ore available in each cave will vary from trial to trial. Keep this in mind as you plan your strategy!
Use this information to mine strategically and maximize your ore haul!
Remember: You only have 15 clicks per round, so plan your mining wisely.
Click "Start Practice" below to explore these caves and sharpen your mining instincts!
Quick Check
Awesome work—you've completed the instructions!
Before we move forward, let's quickly check your understanding of the mining task. Please answer the following questions to ensure you're ready for your mining adventure.
Good Luck!
Comprehension question
1. What's your main goal in each round of mining?
2. What is the difference between "smooth" and "rough" caves?
3. Can you revisit tiles you've already mined?
4. How many clicks do you have per round?
Great job!
You have collected Ores in this session -Well done!
Remember, your bonus payment will be awarded only after you complete Session 2, so keep an eye out for your invitation.
Thanks again, and we hope to see you soon for more mining adventures!
Smooth
Demo
Practice round
Number of choices remaining: 5
Score:
Number of trials: 1/12
Number of choices remaining: 15
Score:
+
Performance!
You have collected 70 % of the maximum amount of ore in this cave
Performance!
You have collected a bonus of €. You will receive an invitation for session 2