Substitution Heuristic for Mathematical Reasoning
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how adults think about proportions and whether they simplify these decisions in ways that lead to mistakes. Researchers aim to determine if nudging behavior, such as offering a reward (Additional Incentive) or asking people to slow down (Response Delay), can improve accuracy in judging proportions. Participants will view images and decide which contains more of a certain color. This study suits typically developing adults who can read English. Those interested in decision-making processes and contributing to this understanding may find this trial appealing. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to foundational research on decision-making processes.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that the treatments in this trial, "Additional Incentive" and "Response Delay", do not involve drugs or medical procedures, so there are no known safety concerns.
For the "Additional Incentive" approach, studies on similar activities, such as math training and brain exercises for children, have found them to be safe. The aim is to enhance thinking skills, and no reports of harm or side effects have emerged.
With "Response Delay", research on similar methods in math and brain training shows they are well-tolerated. The goal is to improve math skills by altering response times, and previous studies have found no negative effects.
In both cases, these activities are generally considered safe because they focus on changing behavior rather than using medications or invasive procedures.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to enhance mathematical reasoning through different interventions. The "Response Delay" arm introduces a pause before participants can respond, potentially encouraging deeper thinking rather than quick guesses. Meanwhile, the "Additional Incentive" arm motivates participants by offering extra rewards, which might boost their engagement and performance. By comparing these methods with each other and against typical performance, the trial aims to uncover effective strategies to improve mathematical reasoning that go beyond traditional teaching methods.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving mathematical reasoning?
This trial will compare different interventions to enhance mathematical reasoning. Research has shown that offering rewards for completing math tasks can improve performance. In this trial, participants in the "Additional Incentive" arm will receive rewards, which studies have found can lead to higher exam scores by encouraging better thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, research indicates that taking more time to answer can enhance math skills. Participants in the "Response Delay" arm will experience this intervention, allowing them more time to think, which can lead to more accurate answers. Both giving rewards and allowing extra time have been linked to better accuracy and effectiveness in math tasks.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults who can perform basic mathematical reasoning tasks. Participants should be able to compare visual proportions and make judgments about them. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided, so it's open to a broad adult population interested in cognitive research.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Performance
Participants complete the task as it is typically administered to establish baseline performance
Response Delay
Participants receive the response delay intervention to assess changes in task performance
Additional Incentive
Participants receive an additional incentive intervention to assess changes in task performance
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any changes in task performance post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Additional Incentive
- Baseline Performance
- Response Delay
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Michelle Hurst, PhD
Lead Sponsor
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Collaborator