Research Tool Mousekids

Mousekids is an easily adaptable tool for examining decision making behavior in children and adults. It was designed analogue to the classic “mouselab” paradigm (Payne, Bettman & Johnson, 1988). In contrast to mouselab tools typically used with adults, the Mousekids program contains two different phases: In the learning phase, participants learn the validity of each cue, one after the other; in the subsequent testing phase, participants then make a series of decisions. The cue validities are symbolized throughout the entire game using so-called “smart circles”. Due to the experience-based learning of the cue validities as well as their simple depiction based on absolute frequencies, the Mousekids tool can be used to examine probabilistic inference-based decisions in children even as early as preschool.

Mousekids Learning Phase
Mousekids Testing Phase

Mousekids in the learning and testing phase. The cue validity is displayed in the form of colored circles next to each cue.

Mousekids was developed so that users can easily adapt the decision and game environments without computer programming skills. For example, one can easily change the number of cues used in the game or the number of options from which participants can choose.

You are free to use, copy, distribute, modify and transmit Mousekids provided that you only do so for non-commercial purposes for research and academics. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:  anna.lang@uni-erfurt.de

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