Effects of generative artificial intelligence on cognitive effort and task performance: study protocol for a randomized controlled experiment among college students

Background : The advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential to enhance productivity in many cognitive tasks. However, concerns are raised that the use of generative AI may undermine human cognition due to over-reliance. Conversely, others argue that generative AI holds the promise to augment human cognition by automating menial tasks and offering insights that extends one’s cognitive abilities. To better understand the role of generative AI in human cognition, we study how college students use a generative AI tool to support their analytical writing. We will examine the effect of using generative AI on cognitive effort, a major aspect of human cognition that reflects the extent of mental resource an individual allocates during the cognitive process. We will also examine the effect on writing performance achieved through the human-AI collaboration. Methods : This study is a randomized controlled lab experiment that compares the effects of using generative AI (intervention group) versus not using it (control group) on human cognition and writing performance in an analytical writing task designed as a hypothetical writing class assignment for college students. During the experiment, eye-tracking technology will monitor eye movements and pupil dilation. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will collect brain hemodynamic responses. A survey will measure individuals’ perceptions of the writing task and their attitudes on generative AI. We will recruit 160 participants (aged 18-35 years) from a German university where the research will be conducted. Discussion : This trial aims to establish the causal effects of generative AI on human cognition and task performancethrough a randomized controlled experiment. The findings aim to offer insights for policymakers in regulating generative AI and inform the responsible design and use of generative AI tools. Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06511102. Registered on July 15, 2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06511102