An on-line psychology laboratory for teaching and research

Abstract

LearningResearch and DevelopmentCenter, University ofPittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvanm15260 This paper describes a PDP-15 timesharing system in which on-line experimentation and an undergraduate laboratory course co-exist with many other users. Design features include precise stimulus and response timing, easy experiment programming, easy system access, and 15 or more simultaneous users. Students can be both experimenters and subjects in realistic, variable course modules. Current psychological experimentation frequently requires accurate response latency measurement, close control of stimulus presentation, and stimulus genera­ tion contingent on prior responses. As the need for precision has increased and computer costs have de­ clined, an increasing number of psychologists are using the computer to control experiments. A variety of experiment control systems have been developed at universities and research laboratories (see the March, 1975, issue of American Psychologist for an overview), and a number are commercially available from computer manufacturers. A significant number of experimental psychologists have become computer proficient, and a computer users subculture has developed in which bytes and analog-to-digital converters are discussed much as were relay racks a decade ago. In spite of these dramatic changes, the undergraduate's laboratory experience often consists of the psychology of flash cards and memory drums, even at universities where computer-controlled research on cognition is most advanced. There are many reasons for this. Some on-line systems are designed for the experienced user and are complex or specialized for particular experi­ ments. Others lack higher level software features and are