Marcus Parks |
SCHOOL: The University of Mississippi
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering MENTOR: Dr. Mark Tew EXPECTED GRADUATION DATE: May 2003 ORGANIZATIONS & HONORS:
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ABSTRACT
The Accuracy of Keystroke Interval Measurements In A Windows Environment
Psychological experiments were once held in isolated and controlled environments, but now thousands of researchers in fields such as cognitive psychology are conducting experiments via the web. Timing accuracy is of perennial concern to researchers conducting reaction time studies, especially for those using computers that are not dedicated to attaining millisecond accuracy. The following equipment was used during the research: Desktop computer, lap- top computer, keystroke generator, National Instruments DAQPad, and key interface box. Two programs were also used during this research "Key Interval" and "Digital Waveform". This research was held under the following four environments: Default, Experiment Only, Experiment with web traffic, and Experiment with time killer. These four conditions were tested through an executable file and over the web through a web browser. The results from the executable file were compared to the results of the web delivered file. Next, the web browser's results were compared between Internet Explorer and Netscape. Finally, the program was executed through an E Prime player where these results were compared with the previous results that were executed through an Authorware plug-in. A final conclusion can not be drawn at this point and time in the research. The research in which I participated is an ongoing experiment and much more data will be needed. In conclusion, Authorware and E-Prime were found to be capable of acceptable accuracy in measuring keystroke intervals. This held true in the default environment, experiment only environment, and with light web traffic in the background. |