NCT06511102

Brief 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. 1.Does using the technology affect students' writing performance?
  2. 2.Does using the technology affect students' cognitive effort during the writing process?
  3. 3.Read learning materials on analytical writing techniques.
  4. 4.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.
  5. 5.Answer survey questions about their experience with the writing assignment, attitudes on using ChatGPT, and demographic backgrounds.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
160

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jul 2024

Shorter than P25 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

July 15, 2024

Completed
3 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

July 18, 2024

Completed
1 day until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

July 19, 2024

Completed
7 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

February 20, 2025

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

February 20, 2025

Completed
Last Updated

July 9, 2025

Status Verified

July 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

7 months

First QC Date

July 15, 2024

Last Update Submit

July 4, 2025

Conditions

Cognitive ChangeWell-Being, Psychological

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Writing Performance

    The essay writing task is derived from the Analytical Writing section in the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), which is a worldwide and standardized computer-based exam developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The participants' essays will be scored on a scale from 0 to 6 by an automatic and validated third-party scoring tool that is also developed by ETS.

    1.5 hours

  • Cognitive Effort Measured by Pupil Size

    Cognitive effort is quantified by monitoring changes in pupil size. To achieve this, pupil diameters are recorded throughout the writing task using a near-infrared eye tracker, specifically the Tobii Pro Fusion model. At the start of the experiment, individual baseline pupil diameters are measured during a 30-second relaxation task.

    1.5 hours

Secondary Outcomes (8)

  • Self-Perception of Writing Performance

    1.5 hours

  • Self-Perception of Cognitive Effort

    1.5 hours

  • Cognitive Effort Measured by Cortical Hemodynamic Activity in the Frontal Lobe

    1.5 hours

  • Self-Perception of Stress

    1.5 hours

  • Self-Perception of Challenge

    1.5 hours

  • +3 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

Intervention arm

EXPERIMENTAL

In the intervention arm, participants are instructed to use ChatGPT for assistance to complete an analytical writing task.

Behavioral: GPT Support

Control arm

NO INTERVENTION

In the control arm, participants are instructed to complete an analytical writing task independently without access to any technology assistance.

Interventions

GPT SupportBEHAVIORAL

The computer interface used for the essay writing task follows a split-screen design. The writing instructions and text input field are administered on a survey platform, placed on the left half of the screen. ChatGPT is placed on the right half of the screen for technology assistance.

Intervention arm

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 35 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • 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.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Core Facility for Neuroscience of Self-Regulation, Heidelberg University

Heidelberg, Germany

Location

Related Publications (1)

  • Chen Y, Wang Y, Wustenberg T, Kizilcec RF, Fan Y, Li Y, Lu B, Yuan M, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Geldsetzer P, Chen S, Barnighausen T. Effects of generative artificial intelligence on cognitive effort and task performance: study protocol for a randomized controlled experiment among college students. Trials. 2025 Jul 11;26(1):244. doi: 10.1186/s13063-025-08950-3.

    PMID: 40646586DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Personal SatisfactionBehavior

Study Officials

  • Till Bärnighausen

    Heidelberg Institute of Global Health

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT
Purpose
OTHER
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Professor

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

July 15, 2024

First Posted

July 19, 2024

Study Start

July 18, 2024

Primary Completion

February 20, 2025

Study Completion

February 20, 2025

Last Updated

July 9, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

DE(1)