Consent form for participation in this online experiment
Study Information
Thank you for your interest in our study. Please read the following information carefully. Your participation in
this research is voluntary. It is your choice whether to participate or not. Please do not hesitate to write to us
at alexandra[dot]witt[at]uni-tuebingen.de if you have any further questions regarding the study.
1. Purpose
In this study we investigate how humans integrate social information into decision-making processes.
2. Procedure
In the following, you will receive detailed information regarding the procedure of the study.
First, you will receive instructions on how the task works. Then we will ask you some questions to ensure you
correctly understood the task.
After that, you will get to try out the task, and finally do the task in full. Your performance in the full task
will affect your bonus payment.
The entire study will take about 20 minutes.
3. Compensation
You will receive £5.72 for your participation. You can also earn a bonus of up to £5.72 depending on your
performance in the task.
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
alexandra[dot]witt[at]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 alexandra[dot]witt[at]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, Explorer!
You’re embarking on an intergalactic adventure to uncover the secrets of mineral X,
the most valuable substance in the universe! Mineral X powers starships, extends lifespans,
and fuels cutting-edge discoveries.
Your mission will take you to two different planets. On each planet, you’ll explore sites to
find out where mineral X is most commonly found.
But there’s a catch: mineral X doesn’t just lie around waiting for you.
It’s only found in specific locations, and even there, it doesn’t appear every day.
Some sites are more likely to have mineral X than others.
Sites may look like this
Your mission is to find out which location is more likely to have mineral X,
so you can collect as much of it as possible. Get ready to put your decision-making skills to the test!
Sites are identified by the associated image. The images may change positions.
Solo Missions
In solo missions, you’ll explore two different sites. Each day, you’ll choose one site to search for mineral X.
After your choice, you’ll find out whether or not mineral X was found there.
Here’s an example of what you might see:
You found mineral X! 🙂
One of the two sites will have mineral X more often, but not every time.
Your goal is to figure out which site is better based on the results over several days.
You will be paid a bonus depending on how often you chose the better site.
Each solo mission lasts 16 days, and you’ll complete 5 missions like this.
Use the feedback you receive each day to make your choices!
Team Missions
Team missions work a little differently. Instead of exploring the sites yourself,
you’ll observe your partner—a fellow explorer—as they scout the sites for 10 days. This is phase 1.
Each day, your partner will tell you where they searched and whether they found mineral X.
Their reports might look like this:
👎
After 8 days of observing your partner’s results, you’ll decide:
Which site is more likely to have mineral X? This is phase 2.
Remember, one site is better, but it won’t always have mineral X.
You’ll complete several team missions, so pay close attention to the results your partner shares!
Summary
Your goal is to figure out which site is more likely to have mineral X.
Mineral X doesn’t appear every day, even at the better site.
You will be visiting 2 different planets, on each of which you will complete both solo and team missions.
In solo missions, you choose a site each day and learn from the results.
In team missions, you observe your partner’s results for 8 days and then make your choice.
You will be paired with a new partner for each team mission.
Comprehension Check
Pre-Experiment Landing Page
Great job on the quiz! You'll start your first solo mission now.
Team mission
Mission 1/50
Day 1/5
Phase 1: Observe
Press space to continue.