Columbia Card Task (CCT)

Figner, B., Mackinlay, R. J., Wilkening, F., & Weber, E. U. (2009). Affective and deliberative processes in risky choice: Age differences in risk taking in the Columbia Card Task. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35(3), 709-730. doi: 10.1037/a0014983
For more information, contact Bernd Figner or see http://columbiacardtask.org.


Table of Contents


Description


History of Use


References


Description:

Purpose

The CCT was designed to assess risk preferences, information use, and proximity to the optimal solution (as determined using a normative model) through choices made in a card game.
  • There are two versions of the CCT. The "hot CCT" triggers strongly affective processes whereas the "cold CCT" elicits predominantly deliberative processes.
  • The CCT is available in 2 formats: Internet-based online and locally running offline.
Questions

In either of the two versions of the CCT, participants play multiple trials in a card game. At the start of each trial, the participant is presented with 32 face-down cards. During the trial, Ps may turn over as many cards as they want.
  • A gain card equals a specified positive amount and the chance to continue the trial.
  • A loss card equals a specified subtraction from the previous payoff and ends the trial.
Trials vary in the following parameters, according to a factorial design:
  • Probability of a loss (1-3 loss cards out of 32 cards total)
  • Gain amount (10, 20, or 30 points per gain card)
  • Loss amount (-250, -500, or -750 points from the previous payoff)
Sub-scales

There are 2 versions of the CCT:
  • Hot: Stepwise incremental decisions (turn over one card at a time) with feedback after each decision.
  • Cold: 1 decision of how many cards to turn over for the trial
Domain


Psychometrics


Sample items

Ps choose between:
  • Turn over a card
  • End trial
Screenshot of CCT.   Source: Lisa Zavel
Screenshot of CCT. Source: Lisa Zavel


References:

Scale:
  • Figner, B., Mackinlay, R. J., Wilkening, F., & Weber, E. U. (2009). Affective and deliberative processes in risky choice: Age differences in risk taking in the Columbia Card Task. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35(3), 709-730. doi: 10.1037/a0014983

Uses:
  • Figner, B., & Murphy, R. O. (2011). Using skin conductance in judgment and decision making research. In M. Schulte-Mecklenbeck, A. Kuehberger, & R. Ranyard (Eds.), A handbook of process tracing methods for decision research (pp. 163-184). New York, NY: Psychology Press.
  • Figner, B., & Weber, E. U. (in press). Who takes risk when and why? Determinants of risk-taking. Current Directions in Psychological Science.