What is this study?
This is a proof-of-concept pilot from the University of Rhode Island testing CuraAI, a new feature of the CuraCourse online textbook. When a check question reveals that a learner missed a concept, CuraAI adds a short, personalized re-explanation before they move on, instead of presenting the material just once like a traditional textbook.
We want to learn whether this personalized review helps people learn and whether learners find it useful.
What you would do
Sign up
Complete a short online sign-up form so we can confirm eligibility and contact you.
Session 1: standard chapter
Fill out a brief background survey, work through the standard "AI Foundations" chapter, answer check questions, and take a chapter quiz.
Wait at least 24 hours
We prepare a personalized version of the chapter based on your first session.
Session 2: personalized chapter
Work through the personalized version, take another quiz, and complete a short feedback survey.
This is not a test of how much you already know. It is completely okay (and helpful for the research) to get questions wrong. What matters is answering honestly, on your own, without ChatGPT, Google, or other outside help.
Am I eligible?
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You have a reliable device and internet connection.
- You can complete two separate online sessions, at least 24 hours apart, within the study window.
Your privacy and your rights
Participation is voluntary. You may decline or stop at any time, and you may skip any question. Your decision will not affect your relationship with the researchers or URI.
For students in CSC 211: using this tool is part of two course labs, but research participation is separate and entirely voluntary. The course instructor will be blinded to who does and does not take part, and your decision to participate or decline will have no effect, positive or negative, on your grade.
Your data is kept confidential. After you sign up, you are assigned an anonymized ID, and all study data are recorded under that ID. Your name and email are kept in a single, separate, password-protected file used only to contact you and link your two sessions, and they never appear in any analysis, report, or publication.
There are no known risks to taking part beyond those of everyday computer use.
Questions?
This study is conducted by Dr. Victor Fay-Wolfe, Department of Computer Science and Statistics, University of Rhode Island, with co-investigator Dr. Michael Conti.
For questions about the study, contact Dr. Victor Fay-Wolfe at vfaywolfe@uri.edu.
You may also contact the URI Institutional Review Board at (401) 874-4328 or researchintegrity@etal.uri.edu with any questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant.