CompletedNot Applicable

Impact of GPT Use on Essay Writing Performance and Cognitive Abilities

Germany160 participantsStarted 2024-07-18

Plain-language summary

The goal of this randomized controlled lab experiment is to examine if using generated artificial intelligence (AI) technology will affect people's academic performance and cognitive abilities in the context of analytical writing among college students. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does using the technology affect students' writing performance? 2. Does using the technology affect students' cognitive effort during the writing process? Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group, which is writing without AI assistance, or an experimental group, which is writing with the assistance of ChatGPT. Researchers will compare the two groups to see if ChatGPT affects students' writing performance and cognitive effort. For each participant, the lab experiment will last for no more than 1.5 hours. An eye-tracker will monitor the participant's gaze activities and pupil size. A functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will monitor the participant's brain activities in the frontal lobe. During the experiment, participants will be asked to: 1. Read learning materials on analytical writing techniques. 2. Based on the previously provided materials, complete an analytical writing assignment that will take approximately 30 minutes either with or without the aid of ChatGPT. 3. Answer survey questions about their experience with the writing assignment, attitudes on using ChatGPT, and demographic backgrounds.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Full-time university student. * Able to read and write in English. * Use the computer most days of the week. * Have not taken, nor currently preparing for, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). * Do not wear glasses (contact lenses are allowed). * Have no eye impairment. * Not currently taking any opioids, epinephrine, or anti-hypertensive drugs. * During the experiment, not wearing any makeup around the eyes.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Writing Performance

Timeframe: 1.5 hours

Cognitive Effort Measured by Pupil Size

Timeframe: 1.5 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06511102

SponsorUniversity Hospital Heidelberg

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-02-20

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