1st Edition

Python for Experimental Psychologists

By Edwin Dalmaijer Copyright 2017
    228 Pages
    by Routledge

    228 Pages
    by Routledge

    Programming is an important part of experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience, and Python is an ideal language for novices. It sports a very readable syntax, intuitive variable management, and a very large body of functionality that ranges from simple arithmetic to complex computing.

    Python for Experimental Psychologists provides researchers without prior programming experience with the knowledge they need to independently script experiments and analyses in Python. The skills it offers include: how to display stimuli on a computer screen; how to get input from peripherals (e.g. keyboard, mouse) and specialised equipment (e.g. eye trackers); how to log data; and how to control timing. In addition, it shows readers the basic principles of data analysis applied to behavioural data, and the more advanced techniques required to analyse trace data (e.g. pupil size) and gaze data.

    Written informally and accessibly, the book deliberately focuses on the parts of Python that are relevant to experimental psychologists and cognitive neuroscientists. It is also supported by a companion website where you will find colour versions of the figures, along with example stimuli, datasets and scripts, and a portable Windows installation of Python.

    1. Python  2. Variable types  Make some noise  3. Creating and presenting stimuli  4. Processing responses  Make some noise  5. Scripting an experiment  Make some noise  6. Analysing behavioural data  7. Analysing traces  8. Eye tracking  9. Getting help

    Biography

    Edwin S. Dalmaijer is an Early Stage Research Fellow in the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. He has authored several Python libraries, standalone software packages, teaching materials, and research articles.

    "An easy-to-read introduction. In a humorous style it introduces the reader to programming in Python, picking them up where they are as experimental psychologists. Very useful indeed!" Ulrich von Hecker, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University UK

    "Edwin Dalmaijer provides an intuitive introduction into psychological experimentation using Python libraries co-developed by the author himself. Well-structured and easy to read, this book will quickly have you programming, running and analysing your own experiments using open, modern tools." Tomas Knapen, Assistant Professor Cognitive Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    "Python is fast becoming the lingua franca of scientific research, and this excellent and highly accessible book fills a much-needed gap for experimental psychologists. The strong focus on developing genuinely useful experimental code, and the comprehensive examples included, make it an outstandingly useful resource not just for students, but for seasoned researchers as well. Certainly the best (and funniest!) introduction to Python I’ve come across." Matt Wall, Imaging Scientist, Imperial College London, UK