Task Similarity Survey: Task A vs. Task B
This is an experiment investigating the ability to learn sequences.
You will perform two different tasks.
In one task that involves typing, you will repeatedly type a 9-digit sequence (e.g., 3-4-2-1-3-1-2-4-3)
as quickly and accurately as possible. You will then have a break between trials.
In the other task that involves clicking, you will repeatedly complete a 9-target sequence (Starting at 1,
and ending at 9) as quickly and accurately as possible. You will then have a break between trials.
After training on both of these tasks, you will then do some math problems.
After, you will again perform both tasks.
The goal of each trial is to correctly complete the entire sequence as quickly as possible 12 times and then
the trial will end.
It is important that you do the sequence as quickly as you can, but not at the expense of making
errors because only sequences that have all 9 elements in the correct order will count as a completed
sequence.
For the task that involves typing, you will use the #1 through #4 keys located near the top left of
the computer keyboard.
Each keypress will be indicated by a '.' on the screen.
You must use your LEFT HAND to type the sequences. Please place your:
pinky finger: on the 1 key
ring finger: on the 2 key
middle finger: on the 3 key
index finger: on the 4 key
PLEASE USE YOUR LEFT HAND FOR THIS TASK!
For the task that involves the mouse,
the goal of each trial is to correctly click on the targets in the correct sequence as QUICKLY and
ACCURATELY as possible 12 times, at which point the task will end.
When the task begins, you will be presented with 9 targets arranged in a circle.
Use your mouse to click on each target in the correct order (1 through 9) as QUICKLY and ACCURATELY as
possible.
The correct target will be numbered, while all of the incorrect targets will be black.
After 12 complete sequences, the trial will end.
PLEASE USE YOUR RIGHT HAND FOR THIS TASK!
You are now ready to begin the experiment. A countdown screen will be shown before each sequence is given to
you.
When the countdown screen finishes, a new screen will appear telling you to either type or click on the
sequence that is
shown.
The 10-second trial begins immediately so you should be ready to type the sequence when the countdown
is complete.
The first trial will be a practice trial and will only last 10 seconds.
You must complete only ONE sequence during the warmup or you will
repeat it.
For this trial, please focus on being as accurate as possible.
The rest of the trials will last until you complete 12 sequences.
Please be advised:
Your complete ATTENTION and FOCUS are required to participate in this experiment!
That means that you need to CONCENTRATE and do the absolute best that you can.
If you are unable to do so, please leave the experiment now.
Click the button if you are able to participate.
Please type the sequence as quickly and accurately as possible.
You will now be asked to rate the similarity between the two previous tasks.
Task A is (see picture).
Task B (see picture).
You will now be asked to rate the similarity between a new task and a previous task.
The new task instructions are as follows:
You will respond to numbers displayed on the screen as quickly and accurately as possible.
You will use the #1 through #4 keys located near the top left of
the computer keyboard.
You must use your LEFT HAND. Please place your:
pinky finger: on the 1 key
ring finger: on the 2 key
middle finger: on the 3 key
index finger: on the 4 key
PLEASE USE YOUR LEFT HAND FOR THIS TASK!
You will now be asked to rate the similarity between the task you just did and a previous task.
The task you just did will be labeled task C (see picture).
The previous task we want to compare is task A (see picture).
You will now be asked to rate the similarity between the task you just did and a previous task.
The task you just did will be labeled task C (see picture).
The previous task we want to compare is task B (see picture)
The task will begin in ? seconds.
The next sequence will begin in ? seconds.
You will now add two-digit numbers for a little while.
Please make sure you are doing the task the entire time.
If you do not stay on the screen, the countdown timer will not work.
The task will begin in ? seconds.
Add the below numbers together, and type your answer in the field.
When you are satisfied with your answer, please press enter to proceed to the next problem.
? + ?
=
The task will begin in ? seconds.
Please respond to the number presented on the screen.
The task will begin in ? seconds.
