Investigating human decision-making through online tasks
Official title: Studies of Human Inference Using On-line Testing
Run by University of Colorado, Boulder · NCT05848752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how people make decisions over different time periods by having them play a game where they draw balls from jars that change in a specific way.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Boulder Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05848752 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults in the US who are fluent in English and have a high approval rating on the Prolific platform.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria, such as those outside the US or with lower approval ratings on Prolific, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to analyze how humans make decisions over different time scales using a crowdsourcing platform called Prolific. Participants will engage in a Jar Switching Task, where they will draw balls from two jars that switch based on a predetermined rate. The task consists of three blocks focusing on short-term, long-term, and multi-timescale inference. Behavioral responses, including the number of balls drawn and response times, will be recorded to understand the decision strategies employed by participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of human decision-making processes, potentially informing strategies for improving decision-making in various fields.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach may be novel, similar studies on decision-making have shown promising results in understanding human behavior.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult Prolific participants who have a 95% approval rating and achieve a minimum score of 80% on our pre-test, * Speak fluent English * Are in the US. Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where it's running
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University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tahra Eissa — University of Colorado, Denver
- Study coordinator: Tahra Eissa
- Email: tahra.eissa@colorado.edu
- Phone: (303) 492-6974
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.