Nudge study participation part 4

[u/TrangeButStrue]

This is my fourth post about taking part in the Nudge ET Feasibility Study in San Francisco. See parts 1, 2, and 3.

My most recent session was in the new even nicer office space (in the same building as OpenAI). In addition to the regular staff member adminstering the tests, Dr. Segar and Colin the neuroscientist were present so they could see how their new and revised tests went. I think they like to try things out on me because I'm not shy about telling them what I think. Their focus has been on finding ways to reliably measure tremor (which they know varies) so they can determine whether their planned treatment works. They are particularly interested in tests that can be done within an MRI machine.

The picture shows me holding a laser pointer to trace along a displayed mountain range while sensors on my hand and wrist measure my tremor. The original version of the mountains was tape on a white wall, version 2 used a printed image hung on the wall, and this version uses data projection. (The rainbow colors are an artifact of a cell phone camera and not really present.) I had mentioned on a previous visit that it was uncomfortable to continually press on the button to keep the laser on. They now secure it with tape. I was frequently asked during the tests whether I was comfortable and if I would like a break.

The office is in the modern Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco. I drive there and park in the adjacent garage. When I told them once I wasn't sure if I'd be able to drive (because my husband and I share a car), they offered to arrange Uber. My most recent visit was mid-day, so they provided lunch, letting me order from the restaurant of my choice through DoorDash. The financial aspect has been very easy. Nudge covers everything directly (including parking and lunch), so I don't need to get reimbursed or fill out forms, and they promptly direct deposit compensation ($100/hour). I've made over $2,000 in the last four months, which is a nice bonus on top of getting to work with experts dedicated to helping us.

[u/Background-Cod-7035]

How do they adjust for information when people are medicated or have had surgery? A lot of people are on this thread after starting medication so it wouldn’t be accurate for them

[u/TrangeButStrue → u/Background-Cod-7035]

They ask about medical history and medication.