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 45 minutes.
3. Compensation
You will receive £9.15 for your participation. You can also earn a bonus of up to £9.15 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.
During each mission, you will be exploring two sites. One site has more mineral X, but that doesn't mean you will always find mineral X there.
You will conduct one solo and one team mission per planet.
Depending on the planet, sites may look like this:
or this:
Your task is to identify the better site.
Each site will be identified by an image, and the same images may appear on the left or right — their positions can change!
Solo Missions
In solo missions, you'll spend 8 days doing guided exploration:
you’ll be told which site to visit, and you’ll see whether mineral X was found there.
This is your chance to gather clues about which site is better.
Here’s an example of what you might see:
You found mineral X! 🙂
On Day 9, you’ll make a free choice.
In total, you'll complete 50 solo missions per planet. Each one lasts 9 days: 8 guided, 1 free.
Your bonus depends on whether you choose the better site on that final day.
Team Missions
In team missions, you'll first observe a different fellow explorer as they search for mineral X.
Over 8 days, you’ll see reports from 8 different partners.
Their reports will look like this:
👎
After 8 days of observations, you’ll make one free choice — just like in solo missions,
this is the choice that counts toward your bonus.
Remember, one site is better, but it won’t always have mineral X.
Just like solo missions, there will be 50 team missions per planet, each lasting 9 days.
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.
Solo Missions: 8 days of guided exploration (you’re told where to go), followed by 1 free-choice day.
Team Missions: 8 days of observing different partners’ reviews, followed by 1 free-choice day.
Your bonus depends on how often you choose the better site during the final (free choice) day of each mission.
Comprehension Check
Pre-Experiment Landing Page
Great job on the quiz! You'll start your first mission now.
Team mission
Mission 1/50
Day 1/8
Phase 1: Observe
Press space to continue.