Robert R. Morris, Mira Dontcheva, Elizabeth Gerber

Abstract

Although microtask platforms are desirable for their speed, scalability, and low cost, task performance varies greatly. Many researchers have focused on improving the quality of the work performed on such platforms. Priming uses implicit mechanisms to induce observable changes in behavior. Although priming has been effective in the laboratory, its use hasn’t been explored extensively in software design, perhaps because the effects are often shortlived. In the context of microtask crowdsourcing environments, however, where tasks are short and circumscribed, temporary priming effects can lead to significant performance gains.