Effects of generative artificial intelligence on cognitive effort and task performance: study protocol for a randomized controlled experiment among college students
Summary
Protocol for a randomized controlled lab experiment assessing how generative AI use influences college students' cognitive effort (via eye‑tracking and fNIRS) and analytical writing performance.
Key quotes
The advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential to enhance productivity in many cognitive tasks.
We will examine the effect of using generative AI on cognitive effort, a major aspect of human cognition that reflects the extent of mental resources an individual allocates during the cognitive process.
We will recruit 160 participants (aged 18–35 years) from a German university where the research will be conducted.
This trial aims to establish the causal effects of generative AI on cognitive effort and task performance through a randomized controlled experiment.
Claims using this source
The protocol describes a lab‑based randomized controlled trial that will measure physiological markers of cognitive effort while participants write analytical essays with or without ChatGPT. The study will be conducted at Heidelberg University, Germany, and is funded by Horizon Europe and other sponsors. Data collection includes eye‑tracking, fNIRS, writing scores, and self‑report surveys.