Fig. 1: Information-seeking task.
In each of the 30 trials, participants viewed two fishermen sitting next to two ponds. The fishermen’s goal was to catch fish and avoid cans, and the participants were to help them. In each pond was a combination of fish, cans, and seaweed, and one item in each was already attached to the hook, though it was impossible to know which one. Participants indicated if they wanted more information about the items in the right or left pond (information choice). In this example, the participant decided that they wanted more information about the left pond. Thus, three decoy items that were not attached to the pole were removed from the left pond (information revealed). In addition, if any seaweed remained, the items hiding behind them were revealed. Only the participant, but not the fishermen, could see which items were left. Subsequently, either the participant or the fisherman would decide to reel in the hook on each pond (fishing choice). If only an image of a fisherman (green hat) was shown next to the pond (as can be seen in this case in the right pond), it was the fisherman who would ultimately make the decision on whether to raise the pole on that pond. If only an image of a child (yellow hoodie) was shown next to the pond, then the participant would make the decision on whether to raise the pole in that pond. If both images were shown (as can be seen in this case on the left side of the pond), either the participant or the fisherman would eventually make the decision with a 50% chance. Fisherman icon: Flaticon.com.
