Choice Switching and Autism

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The study aims to replicate and clarify a recently observed phenomenon whereby individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) switch between options in a repeated task to a greater extent than healthy controls do. In a meta-analysis a large effect size was found (.37) yet because the effect was noisy in different studies it was not statistically significant. The investigators seek to first examine a very large population through an Internet mediated platform. The sample size will be about the size of all of the previous studies that examined this issue together. Secondly, the investigators wish to understand the discrepancy between this choice switching phenomenon and the recorded tendency of ASD individuals to avoid changing choices. First, the investigators will administer the task in which the effect was found (the Iowa Gambling task) for a longer duration than previously and evaluate whether ASD individuals show increased choice switching in the first blocks of trials but reduced switching following more experience. Secondly, the investigators will administer an additional block of trials without feedback in which participants will not be able to go through a learning process. The investigators predict that this will reduce (and possible flip) the tendency of individuals with ASD to switch choices more often.

Official Title
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Choice Switching and Autism

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Pre-screening
* Behavioral: Task session


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: ASD group - Diagnosed with ASD Control - No ASD diagnosis: within age and education range of the ASD group. Exclusion Criteria: Demographics: Under 18 years of age. Mental health: self reported brain injury and neurological disorder (besides autism).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Study participation<br>All participants will complete the same protocol | Diagnostic Test: Pre-screening<br>* Document upload of Autism diagnosis certificate. Participants can request to show their certificate via a Zoom meeting with the researcher instead of uploading it.<br>Behavioral: Task session<br>* The Iowa Gambling task- four decks of cards on the computer screen. Each card yields a reward, but might also yield a loss. In each trial, the participant selects a card. Consequently, the card is exposed, displaying the gain and the loss for that trial. Through contingent feedback, participants are expected to learn that some deck are better than others.The task will include 120 trials. Block of trials without feedback- four decks of cards on the computer screen. Each card yields a reward, but might also yield a loss. In each trial, the participant selects a card. Consequently, the card is exposed, but the gain and the loss for that trial are not displayed. The task will include 30 trials. Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd Edition (SRS-2; adult-self report):(Constantino & Gruber, 2012) The brief autism quotient scale:(AQ10; Baron-Cohen et al., 2001) Brief intelligence test (Similarities-MAB + Raven Set 1)<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mean run size | Number of consecutive selections from the same deck (across trials and in different blocks). | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | 
| Advantageous selections | Percentage of advantageous selections(across trials and in different blocks). | Through study completion, an average of 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism Spectrum Disorder, Decision Making