Keywords
Chatbots, Psychbio, Consent, Comprehension, Youth

Technologies
react, node, huggingface, spss, smollm

This study examined whether chatbot-led onboarding affects comprehension of psychobiological research procedures compared to human-led onboarding in young adults (18–25), and whether chatbots support autonomy and reduce social evaluation. Informed consent is challenging in complex, sensitive studies, and while young adults are frequently recruited, engagement varies. Sixty participants were assigned to chatbot (n=30) or human-led (n=30) onboarding for a simulated stool sample study. Comprehension was measured immediately and after two weeks using a 13-item questionnaire, with t-tests and content analysis applied. Both groups showed high comprehension, though chatbot interactions were more task-focused. Findings suggest a hybrid chatbot–human approach may best support engagement and ethically robust informed consent.