| Approved on: | 2026-04-20 |
| Brief purpose of the study: | The purpose of the study is to better understand patterns of communication during human–AI interaction, specifically what patterns can be identified around the attribution of social presence to a chatbot. At this stage in the project, the social presence of chatbots will generally be defined as a feeling that the participant is talking to a “real” person. |
| Brief summary of what participants will be asked to do: | Participants will be asked to engage in one structured chatbot interaction session lasting approximately 15–20 minutes. The study will offer three conversational options: each will be a structured conversational prompt centered on decision-making, problem-solving, or sense-making. Afterwards, participants will submit a transcript of their conversation to the PI and engage in a follow-up interview lasting about 5-10 minutes. |
| Basic eligibility criteria: | Must be 18+ years old, fluent in English, comfortable interacting with a chatbot and sharing transcripts of this interaction, and comfortable participating in a final interview. |
| Study contact for more information: | Please contact Ann Lowe at alwr7@umsystem.edu |
| IRB Number: | 2134447 MU |
