NCT07236034 · University of Massachusetts, Worcester
ARISe at UMass Chan
(ARISe)
What this study is about
The goal is to identify the most impactful strategies for capturing attention and enhancing effectiveness of vaccine promotion messages. This will be done using an online survey that employs remote eye-tracking and self report measures to evaluate response to sample vaccine promotion social media content in rural populations in New England.
View original scientific description
The goal is to identify the most impactful strategies for capturing attention and enhancing effectiveness of vaccine promotion messages. This will be done using an online survey that employs remote eye-tracking and self report measures to evaluate response to sample vaccine promotion social media content in rural populations in New England. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of 14 conditions in a 2(source: expert vs. influencer) by 7 (themes: constructs from 7C Vaccine Framework) experiment and view sample messages and then answer questions about their attitudes and beliefs while being monitored for eye-tracking.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Exposure to source and message content
Within each arm, participants will be exposed to two messages each of which are delivered by the same source (peer or professional) and have message content related to one of the 7C Constructs.
Primary outcome measures
Source credibility
Time frame: Immediately after viewing each message
Participants' perception of the credibility of the message source will be assessed using a 7-point Likert scale measured across four items. Participants will be asked to rate the following four items on this scale: To what extent do you believe the source of the message to be… (1=not at all, 7=very much so) 1. Fair 2. Accurate 3. Telling the whole story 4. Trustworthy Unit of measure: Scale score 1-7, mean
Perceived Message Effectiveness
Time frame: Immediately after viewing each message
Perceived message effectiveness will be measured using six items (worth remembering, grabs attention, powerful, informative, meaningful, convincing), each rated on a 7-point Likert scale. The outcome will be the mean of these six ratings for each participant, then averaged by experimental condition. To what extent is… (1=not at all, 7=very much so) 1. The message worth remembering 2. The message grabs attention 3. This message powerful 4. This message informative 5. This message meaningful 6. This message convincing Unit of Measure: Scale score (1-7, mean across items)
Visual attention
Time frame: During message viewing ( immediately post-randomization, prior to completion of post-message survey)
Visual attention, quantified as mean dwell time in milliseconds, will be measured using remote eye-tracking while participants view vaccine promotion messages. Dwell time will be calculated for pre-specified Areas of Interest (AOIs) during the message viewing period. Higher dwell times indicate greater visual attention to the AOIs. Unit of measure: mean dwell time in milliseconds per message
Message reactance
Time frame: Immediately after viewing each message
Reactance will be assessed using four items (irritated, angry, annoyed, aggravated), rated 0 ("None of this feeling") to 4 ("A great deal of this feeling"). The mean reactance score will be calculated for each participant. How much did this message make you feel the following way? Response options: 0 (None of this feeling) to 4 (A great deal of this feeling). 1. Irritated 2. Angry 3. Annoyed 4. Aggravated Unit of Measure: Scale score (0-4, mean across items)
Information sharing intentions
Time frame: Immediately after viewing each message
Description: Assessed with 6 items regarding interpersonal and online sharing, rated 1 (Strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly agree). The mean score across items will be reported per participant and per condition. Rate with the following statements on a scale from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly agree). Interpersonal setting 1. I would be willing to share this information with others. 2. I would talk with others about this message. 3. I would point others in a direction where they could read this message. Online setting 4. I would be willing to post a link to this information on my social media. 5. I would like a social media post with this information. 6. I would share a social media post with this information. Unit of Measure: Scale score (1-5, mean across items)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Living in New England state (CT, MA, ME, NH, VT RI) in a zip code as defined by each individual state's definition of rural
- Able to read and write in English
- Access to an internet connected computer or laptop with a web-camera
Where
- Worcester, Massachusetts
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations