PsychoPy
This post will describe why I prefer using PsychoPy before other software. When I started getting involved in research (i.e., when doing my Bachelor’s and Masters theses) I used the software that was accessible for me. That is, some of the most commonly used software at the department I was studying at. After starting my Ph.D. studies I got more and more annoyed with one of the software we used to build experimental tasks in (i.e., E-prime).
First, I was not familiar with the scripting language (called ‘e-basic’) that was needed, for instance use, to solve pseudo-randomization, and for sending signals to a specially built device I was going to use in my experiments. Second, I prefer to use Linux systems and e-prime is limited to Windows. In fact, e-prime seemed to be working best Windows Vista or earlier but our lab computers were, and are, running Windows 7 (might have changed since back then). Some time into my Ph.D. studies I found PsychoPy which is written in Python, a programming language that I did know, and it seemed like a good alternative to e-prime, and other similar software, to create experiments in.
On PsychoPy’s website it is stated that is an open-source application to present stimuli and collect data in experiments. Being Open Source it also means that the software is free. Importantly, it can be run on Linux, OS-X, and Windows. One of the features that I like most is that I can choose to write code or to use an experimental builder such that of e-prime. Personally, I prefer to write scripts and not using a Builder. However, when coding I existing modules and methods in PsychoPy.
Since I am running Linux on my computers it is possible for me to use my favourite Python IDE (Integrated Development Envirionment) called Spyder. I just import the modules and/or methods I need in my script and then I can run experiments from within Spyder. I assume, but don’t know, that you can use your favourite IDE in other OS’ also…
Why students should use PsychoPy
For the less coding experienced people there is also the builder view. An experimental builder is a graphical interface with menus and, often, drag-and-drop like features.
The builder view is one of the reasons, I have started to suggest students that I meet to use PsychoPy to build experiments for their projects and thesis’. Another reason is that Python as scripting language is also great because the cognitive science students at our department take at least 15 ECTS in Python programming. It might be worth mentioning that since Python is a popular programming language with a great and helpful online community (see Stackoverflow tags “#Python” and “#Psychopy“) . Finally, because the students can install it on their on computers make it possible for the students to sit at home, in the library, or wherever they want, to complete their experiments.
Installing PsychoPy
If you are interested in installing it from Ubuntu you can add the Neuro Debian repository:
wget -O- http://neuro.debian.net/lists/trusty.de-m.full
sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/neurodebian.sources.list
sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver hkp://pgp.mit.edu:80 0xA5D32F012649A5A9
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install psychopy
Note that you might need to install some dependencies (i.e., some other Python packages) to get it to run under Ubuntu (it might prove useful to check the post linked below).
If you are running Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) you can try to use the instructions in an earlier post How to Install PsychoPy on LMDE.
PsychoPy Resources
There is, as far as I know, only one book that mentions and give an example of how to use PsychoPy: Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Modelling: A Student’s Introduction to Methods and Procedures
You can also take a look at an example script I have written: SART written in PsychoPy. Finally, here you will find some useful links to Python (and R) related resources: Python Resources.
References
Peirce, J. W. (2007). PsychoPy-Psychophysics software in Python. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 162(1-2), 8–13. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165027006005772
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