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Step 2: Set up task experiment

To run a task experiment at the PLUS, whether it is purely behavioural or as part of a functional MRI recording, we recommend the use of PsychoPy. PsychoPy provides graphical user interface for building experimental paradigms, that can be used with little to no learning curve. Additionally, the psychopy-bids plugin provides an easy way to get bids compatible event files directly from your task experiment.

We offer some support for the conversion of Presentation log files.

Implement using PsychoPy builder

To set up your experiment, use the psychopy-template we provide here.

You can create your experiment project on GitLab in the ANC Experiments group.

  • Create a project from template
  • Switch the tab to instance templates
  • Select Psychopy template

Follow the instructions in the template to install the necessary software. There are additional template issues to help you on your way. The template contains a running experiment that demonstrates some basic features. It covers a range of different event types that you can use in your experiment, which are also logged in bids format using the psychopy-bids plugin. It provides additional instructions on how to run the template and how to change it into your own. Also look at the detailed description of individual components and routines in the template for additional information if you are using a specific component.

We recommend using gitlab workflow.

Note

If you are using PsychoPy but choose to write the experiment in python you can also get your event files using the psychopy-bids package. Python based experiments are always executed in a separate virtual environment. You need to provide a requirements.txt file to create the environment.

Implement using Presentation

A limited number of Presentation licenses is available at the PLUS. We offer a basic script that converts Presentation logs to BIDS events. Further processing is necessary to obtain event files such as designed in the first steps. We recommend the use of the event Remodeler.

Alternative implementation

If you decide on another software to implement your experiment, carefully review the software output to determine if it provides the necessary information. You will have to convert the output to BIDS events yourself before your data is BIDS valid and can be added to the ANC.