Consent form for participation in this online experiment
Study Information
Thank you for your interest in our study!
This is the second session of a two-part experiment.
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 45 minutes.
3. Compensation
You will receive £8 for your participation. You can also earn a bonus of up to £8 depending on your performance in the task. Your bonus obtain in this session and in session 1 will be paid out after you complete the entire experiment.
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 Back!
Great to see you again for Session 2 of your mining adventure—fantastic job during the first session!
Remember, your bonus from Session 1 will only be paid out once you complete Session 2.
Today’s session consists of two parts:
1. Precision Mining Task
2. Bonus Round
Just like before, you'll play as a dwarf miner, exploring caves to collect valuable ores.
But this time, there's a twist!
Due to new rules from the Dwarf Mining Association, your mining locations will be restricted.
Don't worry—we'll explain everything clearly before you start.
When you're ready, click "Continue" to embark on your next mining adventure!
Recap
Quick Reminder from Session 1!
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!
Click "Let’s Explore" below to again familiarise yourself with smooth and rough cave types!
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:
• Smooth caves: Ore amounts are similar across large regions.
• Rough caves: Ore amounts vary significantly and are grouped in smaller clusters.
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!
New Mining Rules!
In this Precision Mining Task, you'll once again explore caves presented on an 8x8 grid to mine valuable ores.
However, due to your impressive performance in Session 1, the Dwarf Mining Association has introduced some restrictions:
Mining Quotas: For each cave, you can only mine once, and only from one of two designated tiles. These tiles are marked on the grid as "L" (left) and "R" (right). You'll select your preferred tile using the left and right arrow keys.
But there's good news! Before making your choice, you'll receive mining reports from three remote locations. These reports will show you both the amount of ore collected and the exact locations that were mined.
Use this valuable information to guide your decisions and maximize your ore haul.
⚠️ Important: You will have 5 seconds to make your choice! If you don't select a tile in time, the trial will be marked as missed.
Ready to test your skills again? Let's get mining!
Practice round
Number of choices remaining: 15
Score:
Smooth
Comprehension question
1.In Session 2, how many tiles can you mine in each cave under the new mining quotas?
2. Before selecting a tile, what information will you receive to help your decision?
3. During the bonus round, can you mine tiles that you have previously mined?
4. Will the bonus round caves be:
Bonus Round!
After exploring all the caves, you'll enter a special bonus round, where you'll get access to a random selection of caves you've previously visited.
In this bonus round:
You’ll have an additional 12 clicks per cave to mine as much ore as possible.
You’re free to mine any tile, including areas previously mined.
Use everything you've learned so far! Pay attention to the cave type and mining history.
Make each click count!
Your performance in this bonus round will affect your bonus payment for Session 2.
Good luck, and mine wisely!
Bonus round!
Press continue to practice the bonus trials.
You will have two trials from the previous sessions to practice
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!
Practice Task
Number of trials: 1/8
Press the ← and → keys to select the options
Number of trials: 1/96
Press the ← and → keys to select the options
Bonus
Number of Bonus trials: 1/4
No of choices left:
Score:
+
Bonus Round!
You’re now entering the Bonus Round, which consists of 8 caves.
These caves are ones you've already explored earlier in the task — so use what you've learned!
Choose wisely and goodluck!
Performance!
You have achieved 70 % of the total bonus for this trial
Performance!
You have collected € in session 1 and € in session 2
You have collected a total bonus of €. Your bonus will be sent out within the next 7 days.
Click on the prolific link!
