Comparing in-lab and remote methods for cigarette smoking assessment

Testing the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace: Examination and Comparison of Different Methods

EARLY_PHASE1 · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · NCT05946031

This study is testing whether in-person or remote methods for checking how people buy cigarettes affect their smoking choices and decisions.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment109 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (other)
Locations2 sites (Roanoke, Virginia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05946031 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study will experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of in-lab versus remote procedures in assessing cigarette purchase outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an in-lab or remote condition and will complete trials involving both real and hypothetical scenarios related to cigarette pricing. The study employs a between-group within-subject design, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the two methods across different conditions. The goal is to understand how these methods influence smoking behavior and decision-making.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who smoke at least 5 cigarettes daily and have stable tobacco use patterns.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled health conditions or those planning to quit smoking in the near future may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective smoking cessation strategies and interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding smoking behaviors through different assessment methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide informed consent
* Be at least 21 years of age or older
* Stable tobacco use patterns for at least three months
* Smoke at least 5 cigarettes daily
* Use other tobacco products less than weekly
* Have access to a computer and internet

Exclusion Criteria:

* report uncontrolled physical or mental health conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, major depressive disorder, etc.),
* use of smoking cessation medications (e.g., nicotine replacement, bupropion, varenicline) in the past 30 days,
* report concrete, immediate plans to alter/quit using their usual tobacco products in the next 30 days,
* be pregnant or lactating

Where this trial is running

Roanoke, Virginia and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cigarette Smoking

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.