Tutorial on using the Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) in the laboratory, the field, and the classroom

Abstract

Laboratory and field research in cognitive science often uses computer-based tools to design experiments and collect data. Although researchers are typically happy to exchange the data obtained from such studies, sharing the actual software used to collect the data is more difficult. This partly stems from the widespread use of special-purpose proprietary software tools to collect data, which prevents exchange and review of the actual experiment specification (without purchasing costly licenses) and can at times even prevent researchers from accessing their own past experiments. Yet often, without a good understanding of the exact experiment, the data can be difficult to interpret. Furthermore, such systems are typically tied to a particular operating system platform, reducing the ability to exchange, modify, and evaluate details of an experiment.


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