Session 4

In this session, we will focus on the full experiment lifecycle in E-Prime, from creation to data analysis. Additionally, we will explore the effect of word valence on stimulus discrimination and dive deeper into conditionals in E-Basic.

Experiment Lifecycle in E-Prime

Steps Involved

  1. Create the Experiment
    Use E-Studio to design the experiment interface and logic.

  2. Run the Experiment
    Execute the experiment through E-Run and ensure everything works as planned.

  3. Change File Format
    Utilize E-DataAid to convert the output into a readable format for analysis.

  4. Merge Files
    Use E-Merge to combine the data from different participants.

  5. Analyze and Export Data
    Finally, run the analysis and export the data for further use.

Key Tools

  • E-Studio: Graphical interface to design experiments.
  • E-Run: Runs experiments.
  • E-Recovery: Recovers partial data if the experiment crashes.
  • E-Merge: Merges data from multiple participants.
  • E-DataAid: Analyzes and exports experiment data.

Example: Word Valence and Stimulus Discrimination

In the experiment, participants must quickly determine the shape displayed after a word. The structure of each trial is as follows:

  • Fixation (1000 ms)
  • Word (500 ms)
  • Shape Display (100 ms)
  • Response Window (up to 2000 ms)

Conditionals in E-Basic

Basic Structure

Conditionals are logic statements that allow specific actions if certain conditions are met.

Example:

If target.RT > 1000 Then
  Feedback.Text = "too slow!"
End If

Conditionals can be used to tailor the feedback or response during the experiment based on participant performance.

PreRelease

PreRelease allows the current stimulus to release execution time to the next stimulus. By setting PreRelease to 0, you ensure that the previous object finishes its execution before the next one begins.

Exercise: Create a Conditional with Feedback

Try creating an InLine object that:

  • Displays “you’re doing great” if the reaction time is less than 1000 ms.
  • Displays “please, try to answer faster” if the reaction time is more than 1000 ms.

Example:

If target.RT < 1000 Then
  Feedback.Text = "great!"
Else
  Feedback.Text = "faster"
End If

Experiment Lifecycle in E-Prime

  • How does understanding the workflow in E-Prime, from E-Studio to E-Run and E-DataAid, help in managing the overall experiment? What challenges could arise during these transitions?
  • Why is it important to use E-Recovery and E-Merge tools during an experiment, and how do they contribute to data integrity?

Conditionals in E-Basic

  • How can conditionals in E-Basic be used to adapt the experiment based on participant responses? Provide an example of how conditionals might be useful in real-time feedback.
  • Why is it important to set the PreRelease property to 0 when using InLine objects after an event? What might happen if this is not done correctly?

4. Debugging and Testing

  • What strategies would you use to ensure that conditionals and trial logic are functioning as expected during an experiment? How does debugging assist in catching issues early on?

Below, you can find the slides from this session: