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 £3.80 for your participation. You can also earn a bonus of up to £3.80 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 to the Galactic Exploration Program!
We're taking you to space! As part of this exciting mission, you'll be exploring alien planets in search of valuable resources.
Each planet has two regions, and your job is to figure out which region is more rewarding. These regions look like this:
Resources do not deplete, and each region's yield is consistent. Your goal is to collect as many resources as possible by figuring out which region is better.
Your bonus payment is based on how often you choose the better region.
You’ll undertake two types of missions: solo missions and team missions.
Solo Missions
In solo missions, you'll explore by yourself. Each day, you'll choose one of the two regions to collect resources.
After each choice, you'll see how many resources you collected. The feedback will look like this:
Resources Collected: 15
On each planet, you'll also see Predicted Resources. These predictions give you an idea of what previous measurements in the area suggest but may not always be precise.
You have 8 days in each sector of the planet.
Then, you'll move on to the next solo mission. There will be 10 solo missions in total.
Use your experience to make the best choices!
Team Missions
In team missions, you'll collaborate with different colleagues as they're exploring the sector.
Your colleague will share their daily results with you, like this:
👎
After observing their results for 5 days, you’ll get one chance to choose a region to collect resources. Use their feedback wisely!
You’ll participate in 80 team missions in total, each with a different colleague.
Quick Summary
Your goal is to collect as many resources as possible.
Regions have consistent rewards, which do not deplete.
In solo missions, learn which region is better based on your own experience.
In team missions, observe your colleague's feedback and make a single choice per sector.
You will have a new colleague for each team mission.
Comprehension Check
Pre-Experiment Landing Page
Great job on the quiz! You'll start the individual block now.
Solo mission
Mission 1/5
Day 1/10
Predicted resources: 0
A
B
Press space to continue.
Mission Feedback
Great job completing mission !
You chose the better location % of the time.
That corresponds to a bonus payment of £.
Team mission
Mission 1/50
Day 1/5
A
B
Press space to continue.
Team Mission Feedback
You chose the better location % of the time.
That corresponds to a bonus of £.
After a quick questionnaire, you'll be done with the task!
Team mission
Mission 1/50
Day 1/5
Press space to continue.