Mind The Gap - The Function of a Chatbot when Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap with Implementation Intentions

The study was carried out by: Msc. Alexandra Wüest, MSc. Catherine Irniger, Prof. Dr. Birgit Watzke

The aim of the Mind-The-Gap study is to investigate what role a chatbot plays when participants make a so called "if-then-plan" (implementation intentions) to overcome the intention-behavior gap. This intention-behavior gap is typically noticed when we try to do something but fail to start or complete a plan even though we have a strong intention to do so. If-then-plans can help to overcome these difficulties by defining what step of the plan is carried out on what specific occassion.

Course of the study:

1. At first, the participants answer some questions about their person and current life situation.
2. They then develop an if-then-plan for an intended activtiy to do themselves some good (e.g. more relaxation or more physical activity).
3. After formulating an if-then-plan they are asked some questions about their perception of the development of the plan and the implementation of the activity.
4. At the end of the study the participants can chose if the want to participate in a raffle of 1 book voucher worth 15 CHF or receive the confirmation of 1 proband hour.

Overall, the study participation takes 30-45 minutes and the study is accessible completely online via link or QR code.

How to participate?

The study was completed on 14.04.20 and, therefore, the participation is no longer possible. The winner of the raffle has been contacted per mail.

Click here to download detailed information about the study participation and the declaration of consent (only available in German) (PDF, 759 KB)

Contact details:

If you have any questions concerning the Mind-The-Gap study please feel free to to contact us at alexandra.wueest@psychologie.uzh.ch (+41 44 635 73 28) or catherine.irniger@psychologie.uzh.ch (+41 44 635 73 40).