This repo contains code to run the laboratory exercises (i.e., simplified versions of classic experiments) for the undergraduate psychology labs in Cognition (830:306) and Sensation & Perception (830:302) at Rutgers.
These laboratory exercises are implemented in Python and intended to run using the Psychopy software package. We make a reasonable effort to update the code regularly so that it is compatible with the latest version of Psychopy (which can be downloaded here).
The code for each laboratory exercise is kept in its own separate folder. Each folder contains its own README.md markdown file which includes a more detailed summary of the associated exercise, along with notes about the current status of the code. These files are linked in the brief descriptions below:
| Exercise Name | Description |
|---|---|
| AttentionalBlink | implements an RSVP dual detection/identification task that illustrates the "attentional blink" phenomenon wherein an attention-grabbing visual target reduce the detectability of other targets occuring in close temporal succession. |
| AutomaticityStroop | implements a version of the Stroop task, which demonstrates the effects of automatic processing (i.e., reading color words) on responses to perceptual judgments. |
| Categorization | implements a categorization task that demonstrates the effects of category complexity. |
| Crowding | implements a letter identification task that demonstrates the effects of visual "crowding" by nearby flanking letters. |
| DividedAttention | implements a dual-task requiring divided attention. Two variants of the task are included. |
| LexicalDecision | presents (English) word/non-word pairs and demonstrates how the contextual connections between words affects our processing of them. |
| LineLength | a simple, straightforward implementation of the Müller-Lyer visual length illusion, using the method of adjustment. |
| MentalRotation | implements a simple version of the classic Shepard & Metzler (1971) mental rotation experiment. |
| MoralCognition | a survey of moral judgments using the "Trolley Problem" in its many variations. |
| Motion | implements three simple motion tasks that require observers to make judgments about the "coherence" of 4 motion elements. |
| Schema | a word list recognition task that demonstrates the effects of cognitive schemata on memory for words. |
| SwitchCosts | a dual-task reaction time experiment that shows how switching between tasks affects reaction time and accuracy. |
| ToneDiscrimination | a simple audio frequency discrimination task that uses the method of constant stimuli. |
| VisualSTM | implements two visual memory tasks: a change detection and a change discrimination task. |
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The code for all exercises has been tested and confirmed to be working (i.e., running without any runtime errors, generates reasonable-looking data files) on Psychopy3 on Windows systems. However, we still need to confirm that they also run on MacOS.
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The Synopsis part of the README files for most experiments was copied directly from the .rtf files included in the original folders. In many cases, these synopses are inadequate. They should eventually be revised based on the information contained in the lab instructions and in the associated original research articles. Also, pedagogical notes directing TA's on when these labs can be used within the semester, with which analyses, etc. should probably be moved to a different "Pedagogical Notes" section, or something similar.