Experiments in visual psychophysics 1100-4OP24
The course provided comprehensive training in the design, programming, and implementation of computer-based experimental procedures used in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and psychophysiology. Participants acquired the knowledge and practical skills necessary to independently develop experimental paradigms using the PsychoPy environment, with particular emphasis on precise stimulus presentation, accurate recording of participants' responses, and high temporal precision in experimental design.
The curriculum covered the design and implementation of experimental protocols, programming of visual and auditory stimulus presentation, randomization and counterbalancing of experimental conditions, integration of input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, and response boxes), management of experimental flow, and automated data collection and organization. The course also addressed synchronization of experiments with external hardware (e.g., EEG systems, eye trackers, and other psychophysiological recording devices), validation of experimental procedures, debugging and testing of scripts, and best practices for ensuring the reliability, reproducibility, and methodological quality of experimental research.
Upon completion of the course, participants were equipped with the competencies required to independently design, program, test, and deploy experimental procedures for both laboratory-based and online studies while adhering to high methodological standards and the requirements of contemporary experimental research.
Main fields of studies for MISMaP
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of designing computer-based experiments used in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and psychophysiology.
Understands the importance of precise stimulus timing and accurate response recording for ensuring the quality and validity of experimental research.
Understands how to design experimental procedures tailored to specific research questions.
SKILLS
Is able to program experimental paradigms in the PsychoPy environment using both the Builder interface and Python scripting.
Is able to implement visual and auditory stimulus presentation, response recording, as well as randomization and counterbalancing of experimental conditions.
Is able to synchronize experiments with external devices, such as EEG systems, eye trackers, and other psychophysiological recording equipment.
Is able to test and validate experimental procedures, identify programming errors, and debug experimental scripts.
Is able to organize and manage experimental data to ensure their accuracy, completeness, and suitability for subsequent statistical analyses.
Is prepared to independently design, modify, and implement laboratory-based and online experiments in accordance with current methodological standards and the principles of good scientific practice.
Assessment criteria
Final grade based on a written examination.
Bibliography
http://psychopy.org/documentation.html