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We need a large group of gamers/ workers to engage in a web-based program that combines video games and cognitive training exercises. As part game and part training, this prototype is both fun and challenging.
Workers should be willing to engage in focused mental activity in order to master the tasks in the game. Workers will be paid for playing a prototype video game multiple times across 4 weeks, for filling out surveys, and for taking a series of cognitive tests at the beginning and end of the project (more details below). Data collected in this project will be used in scientific research on the effectiveness of this kind of video game.
No specific video game or software development skills are required. Workers will only be asked to play the prototype game and complete the surveys/tests. We are not asking workers to write code or identify defects.
THE PROTOTYPE VIDEO GAME
The prototype is a first person shooter game called Project Azriel. Paste this url into your web browser for a video: (Link Removed) The premise of Project Azriel is that a biological agent of unknown origin has been released and is turning those infected into violent, frenzied zombies who are killing and infecting anyone in their path. Scientists have found only one way to fight off the ravaging effects of the bioagent and that is to engage in intense mental exercise. The only ones prepared to deal with the bioagent is a small, elite military unit that has been participating in a mind-training program. In this game, the player is a trainee in this military unit. The player must move from waypoint to waypoint, fighting zombies to eradicate the threat as soon as possible. The trainee must regularly engage in rigorous mental training in order to stay sharp and stay human.
We are testing Project Azriel to determine how well the cognitive training exercises in the video game work. Project Azriel is very different from the typical video game. The activities in the game require concentration and active thinking. Workers will need to engage in intense mental activity in order to master the tasks.
Since we are testing the impact of the game, it is very important that you put effort into the activities. Therefore, we will be monitoring performance and expect workers to meet certain standards. Particularly, we will be looking for improvements in scores on the activities over time as an indication that the worker understands and is following the rules. If it is determined that a worker is not performing the tasks diligently, he/she will be dismissed from the job. Workers can avoid this by simply putting the necessary effort into the tasks.
Workers should be aware that the game is in early stages of development and not as polished as commercially available video games.
SCHEDULE
This project will follow three phases: Pretest, Video Game Testing, and Posttest phases.
In the Pretest Phase, workers will complete a series of surveys and cognitive tests. These are administered because we are interested in the changes that occur in a person after s/he has played Project Azriel for a determined period of time. The Pretest Phase will take about 3 hours to complete and is a prerequisite for subsequent phases.
In the Video Game Testing Phase, workers will play Project Azriel a minimum of 16 hours. Because of the nature of the game, these 16 hours should be spread out over a 1 month period. Workers should play for one hour per day, four days per week, for four weeks and should NOT cram all hours into fewer sessions. Workers can play more hours than the required 16, but due to budget constraints, we can only compensate workers for 16 hours of game play. Sixteen hours in the game are required before a worker can engage in the final phase of the project.
After completing 16 hours of gameplay, workers will start the Posttest Phase. Like the Pretest Phase, the Posttest Phase will consist of surveys and cognitive tests. The Posttest Phase will require a total of 3 hours.
In sum, the project will take 22 hours to complete over a minimum of 1 month.
ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible to participate if you are US-based, at least 18 years old, have normal color vision, and have access to a personal computer for downloading and playing the prototype. You must remain connected to the internet whenever you are working on ANY component of the project.
Workers are required to have their own computer to run the software. Prior to hiring, candidates will be screened to make sure they have computers powerful enough for the program. The minimum requirements include a dual core processor (2.0+ Ghz) with a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) on the CPU or a GPU onboard.
ABOUT US
CurriculaWorks is a company that creates motivating and robust learning software. This project is funded through a grant from the US Office of Naval Research. If you choose to participate, you will be contributing to research that has the potential to benefit all learners.
originally posted by: snowen20
a reply to: CallmeRaskolnikov
No man, that isn't the video unfortunately.
Ill most likely post it here in a few minutes, to be honest I don't like it. Yeah my tinfoil hat is baking my brain now I realize, but Im just not into this at all for some reason. I got that vibe going on.
I didn't participate and in fact declined the job offer. I don't want to be the next guy going around shooting people en masse because I was mentally triggered through a weird game experiment funded by Naval Research.. LOL
Hello (Name Removed),
We have a very interesting project that I’d like you to take a look at.We're looking to gather a large group in order to accomplish this training. I know it's out of your realm of secular expertise but thought you'd might like to engage in something fun and challenging. If this is something you’d like to participate in, would you mind answering these four questions when accepting the invitation:
1.) In three sentences or less, describe the image that is attached to this post. (Please view attachment in job post)
2.) How many hours per day and per week do we expect Workers to engage with the game?
3.) True or False: Internet connection is optional for this project.
4.) How old are you?
Thank you for your time and we sincerely hope that we can have you on board for this exciting project.
originally posted by: CallmeRaskolnikov
just removed my linked video.
thanks for posting the video for us to see. you're right it's very unpolished. and it has a very strange vibe to it.
i don't know how to express it exactly, but it kinda creeps me out after watching it.
i wouldn't be surprised if the color and shape combinations had some further programming significance.
maybe the navy is tired of their seals just being a buncha field grunts and work horses. they probably want them to eventually be able to do advanced problem solving mid-combat.
Did they mention that if you agreed you would have to sign a NDA?
Like you said, you weren't forced to sign one just for viewing the game trailer. So I think you're ok.
originally posted by: snowen20
a reply to: CallmeRaskolnikov
The image they sent was a color blind test image specifically this one here.
deirdrespencer.com...
I assume so that they can make sure you are able to take the testing or *Coughs "training" more accurately.
As far as the questions go, I think that was to make sure you know what they are asking of you before you accept their job offer.