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How choice of mouse may affect response timing in psychological studies
Richard R Plant1, Nick Hammond, Tom Whitehouse
1Department of Psychology, University of York, York, England. r.plant@psych.york.ac.uk
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers : a Journal of the Psychonomic Society, Inc
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Newer computer mice, including USB models, do not consistently improve response timing accuracy compared to older serial mice. Specialized response boxes remain the most reliable for precise experimental timing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Human-computer interaction
- Experimental design
Background:
- Historically, computer mice offered a cost-effective alternative to dedicated response boxes in research.
- The evolution of mouse technology (e.g., optical, wireless, USB interfaces) raises questions about their suitability for precise response timing in experiments.
- Previous research highlighted variability in mouse performance, necessitating updated evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the timing characteristics of modern computer mice outside of a personal computer (PC) environment.
- To predict the contribution of various mouse technologies to overall response timing accuracy in experimental paradigms.
- To compare the performance of different mice and a standard keyboard against a specialized E-Prime deluxe response box.
Main Methods:
- Developed a bench-testing method to assess mouse timing characteristics independently of a PC.
- Utilized a visual stimulus-response paradigm with E-Prime software for data collection.
- Tested a diverse range of mouse technologies (serial, USB, optical, wireless) and a standard keyboard.
Main Results:
- Significant variability was observed in the response registration times across different mouse technologies.
- Neither newer mouse technologies nor the USB interface consistently outperformed older serial mice in terms of timing precision.
- Standard keyboards and most tested mice exhibited greater timing variability compared to the E-Prime deluxe response box.
Conclusions:
- The assumption that newer mouse technologies inherently provide better timing accuracy for research is not supported.
- Researchers should exercise caution when using standard computer mice or keyboards for experiments requiring precise response timing.
- Dedicated response boxes remain the recommended tool for ensuring reliable and accurate data collection in stimulus-response studies.