Browser-Based%20Lab%20Studies

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Browser-Based Lab Studies

• Gary McClelland
• NSF ATI Workshop
• California StateFullerton
• 17-20 January 2002

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Why Browsers in the Lab?

• Sophisticated Computer Control
• Javascript, Java, Flash
• Randomization tools
• Response-dependent orders, stimuli
• Visual, graphic, animated stimuli
• photographs, movies, applets

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Why Browsers in the Lab?

• Interactivity for Responses
• mouse, keys, Buttons, Scrollbars, ChoiceLists,
  CheckBox, TextField, RadioButtons
• Electronic recording of data
• avoid data entry errors
• immediate feedback to participants

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Why Browsers in the Lab?

• Necessary software is FREE
• browsers, javascript, Java SDK
• Lots of computer labs on campus
• Participant interest and motivation
• more scientific
• cf. paper and pencil questionnaires
• visually interesting

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Browsers with Controlled Samples

• Remote administration to dispersed sample
• Longitudinal data collection
• daily diaries, cf. PDA or pager studies
• Tailored questionnaires and stimuli
• a la adaptive testing

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Advice

• Avoid Rolodex Phenomenon
• Worry about readability
• margins, fonts, colors, backgrounds
• Keep it Simple