Research Ethics and Safety Promoted by Embodied Conversational Technology

The main study in this protocol is a 3 arm (HUMAN vs. ECA vs. ECA + HUMAN), randomized, between-subjects experimental design.

There is one sub-study, the Images study, also included in this protocol. Subjects who are eligible for the main study can choose if they would like to participate in this sub-study. This is a within-subjects design, where subjects will be randomized to different conditions within the system.

One additional sub-study, called Stance, also a within-subjects design, where subjects will be randomized to different conditions within the system, was also included in the original protocol,but has since been closed to enrollment. Data collection for this sub-study was the same as for the current sub study (Images), and the main study (Consent Advocate).

Eligible subjects will be given the option to participate in the sub-study in addition to the main study. Subjects may opt out of this sub-study, but not the main study (as in, a subject cannot do the sub-study and NOT do the main study, unless there is some legitimate reason to stop after the sub-study). Due to the nature of the content, the order of the studies must be:

Images (sub) Consent Advocate (main) In these studies, baseline data is collected by the RA verbally administering the instruments to the subjects. Then, the subject will sit in front of a touch-screen monitor to interact with the character on the screen. A member of the research team will be available at all times to assist with any technical issues, or if the subject needs to take a break. Once the on-screen interaction(s) are complete, the RA will administer any post-system data collection instruments.