Table 3 Vignette dimensions and levels used in this study: experimental variation of five drug characteristics and three characteristics of the social environment

Peer prevalence

A student considers using a prescription drug to enhance her memorization skills for her exam preparation. From a medical point of view, this is not necessary. This student knows that

▪ none

▪ every second

▪ every one

of her friends or acquaintances uses such substances.

Social suggestions

She

▪ never

▪ sometimes

▪ very often

gets suggestions from others to try such means.

Magnitude of enhancement effect

By taking such drugs, she hopes to increase the amount of memorized information by

▪ 5 percent

▪ a factor of two

▪ a factor of three

compared to her normal state.

Probability of enhancement effect

From a recently published study, she knows that that the effect occurs with a

▪ 5

▪ 50

▪ 100

percent chance.

Probability of side effects

This study also reported that

▪ one of 1,000,000 users

▪ one of 1,000 users

▪ every user

Severity of side effects

developed

▪ very light

▪ moderate

▪ very strong

depression. Further side effects are unknown.

Drug price

Someone can provide her with a package of 10 pills for

▪ free.

▪ 20 Euros.

▪ 100 Euros.

This is enough for 20 learning hours.

Social disapproval

The use of such drugs would cause

▪ no

▪ moderate

▪ very strong

criticism in her environment