A Random-Dot Kinematogram for Web-Based Vision Research

Sivananda Rajananda,Brian Odegaard,Hakwan Lau

doi:10.5334/jors.194

Sivananda Rajananda, Brian Odegaard + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5334/jors.194

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Abstract

Web-based experiments using visual stimuli have become increasingly common in recent years, but many frequently-used stimuli in vision research have yet to be developed for online platforms. Here, we introduce the first open access random-dot kinematogram (RDK) for use in web browsers. This fully customizable RDK offers options to implement several different types of noise (random position, random walk, random direction) and parameters to control aperture shape, coherence level, the number of dots, and other features. We include links to commented JavaScript code for easy implementation in web-based experiments, as well as an example of how this stimulus can be integrated as a plugin with a JavaScript library for online studies (jsPsych).

Highlights

Web-based experiments using visual stimuli have become increasingly common in recent years, but many frequently-used stimuli in vision research have yet to be developed for online platforms
We include links to commented JavaScript code for easy implementation in web-based experiments, as well as an example of how this stimulus can be integrated as a plugin with a JavaScript library for online studies
While our raw code can be implemented on any platform that uses JavaScript, incorporating our plugin with the jsPsych library may be advantageous for researchers looking to use this random-dot kinematogram (RDK) in experiments assessing reaction times; a comparison of reaction times assessed with jsPsych and a standard software package (e.g., PsychToolbox in MATLAB), revealed that while reaction times measured by jsPsych tended to be slightly slower than PsychToolbox, response time variability was quite comparable between both software packages [12]