A virtual terminal program for data transfer between a data general MicroNOVA laboratory computer and a DECsystem-10 timesharing system

A program for transferring data files between a small lab computer and a large timesharing system is described. The program is based on the concept of having the lab computer simulate a timesharing terminal. General features of the approach and the major implementation problems are discussed.     

Interactive computer assistance for biofeedback and psychophysiological research: Pragmatics of development

Key assumptions and decisions influencing the design, programming, and operation of an interactive computer-control system for a biofeedback research laboratory are discussed. Most interactions with the computer are in the form of simple English queries and answers. Laboratory activities for which the computer provides assistance include instrument calibration, time-critical system testing, experiment set-up and instrument hook-up, experiment control, data management, and analysis. Use of structured programming technique is described. Authors and laboratory staff conclude that interactive assistance is a helpful research tool in many situations and that future laboratory-control systems will have more extensive English language interactive capability.     

A multi-user on-line 8080 microcomputer system

A laboratory control system based upon the Imsai 8080 microcomputer is described. This system is capable of programming separate events in each of five animal operant chambers and recording the resulting behavioral data. The interface between the computer and the chambers is compatible with the 28-V dc nature of these chambers and various peripheral devices, such as cumulative recorders. At present, system software is based on the 8080 assembly language, while the BASIC language is used for data analysis. Cost considerations and comparisons with minicomputers are discussed.     

Information flow in the brain: Computer requirements (A tutorial)

This paper covers mathematical, statistical, and experimental design considerations needed to design a computer system for EEG data acquisition, spectrum, and cross-spectrum analyses. A tutorial approach is used in which no formal proofs are offered. Conclusions are stated simply and in summary fashion, without justifying arguments. References to formal works are given. Conclusions about system design are discussed. Frequently encountered design issues are mentioned with various alternatives.     

A Winchester hard-disk integrated computer-assisted instructional laboratory: Hardware and data management considerations

The hardware configuration at the University of Kentucky is discussed with emphasis on a Winchester technology hard disk as the integrating feature. Advantages and disadvantages of this configuration are discussed in light of the issues of software transportability, ease of use for students, and system maintenance. The Winchester disk is compared to floppy drives as a means of program and data storage. The importance of proper, clear, and organized documentation is stressed. The conclusion is that each system can complement the other in a functional computer learning laboratory.     

Human-computer interaction: A preliminary social psychological analysis

Considering an interactive computer as a social stimulus suggests that contemporary social psychological theories can contribute to the prediction of user attitude and performance. In order to assist in the systematic exploration of this possibility, we developed DIALOGUE, an on-line system to investigate the effects of varying the computer’s responses to the user. This system involves a presentation program that displays the computer’s responses, performs the pacing of video information, and collects a variety of measurements, including the user’s response time and the number of correct/incorrect user responses. DIALOGUE also includes a data manager that allows the experimenter to examine or modify the information collected by the presentation program. Utilizing DIALOGUE, we conducted a preliminary investigation of one aspect of human-computer interaction, the effects of varying the degree of human-like responses exhibited by the computer. Results suggest that (1) there are underlying dimensions of judgment involving perception of interactive computers, (2) a manipulation of human-like computer responses is reflected primarily in certain of these dimensions, and (3) such a manipulation influences user performance and feelings of responsibility. Factors related to the implementation of DIALOGUE are considered, and its potential for investigations of a variety of human-computer interactions is discussed.     

Enabling persons with multiple disabilities to choose among environmental stimuli and request stimulus repetitions through microswitch and computer technology

This study assessed microswitch and computer technology to enable two participants with multiple disabilities, 32 and 19 years of age, to choose among environmental stimuli and request their repetition whenever they so desired. Within each session, 18 stimuli (12 preferred and 6 nonpreferred) were available. For each stimulus, a computer system provided a sample of 3 sec. duration. During the intervention, participants' vocal responding in relation to a stimulus sample activated a microswitch and a computer system turned on that stimulus for 15-30 sec. When participants did not vocally respond, the computer system paused briefly and then presented the next scheduled stimulus sample. When participants vocally responded at the end of a stimulus presentation, the stimulus was repeated. Intervention data showed that the participants learned to choose preferred stimuli and bypass nonpreferred ones as well as to request repetitions of the preferred stimuli. This performance was maintained at a 1-mo. postintervention check and transferred to sets of stimuli not used in the intervention. The implications of these results were discussed.     

Omimigrid-Pc: A new development in computerized repertory grids

A new approach to computer programs used to administer and/or analyze repertory grids is described. The system outlined here, OMNIGRID-PC, is a variation of OMNIGRID, which was designed to have broad practical and theoretical applications. The general features of OMNIGRID are discussed; then the unique features of the OMNIGRID-PC system, Versions 1.0 and 1.5, are explained in detail along with their underlying theoretical rationale. The Appendix more fully explicates the interpretive significance of the most substantive new feature of Version 3.5–Cromwell Format data collection.     

The MicroAce: An inexpensive computer controller

A $200 computer system is described that can act as a laboratory controller. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed.     

An introduction to the PLATO CAI system

The PLATO interactive computer system is discussed as a fully developed large-scale CAI system. Both the hardware and software aspects of the system are discussed. The discussion of hardware includes the necessary equipment to operate a PLATO system and the flow of control during an interactive session on that system. The discussion of the software on the PLATO system focuses on the TUTOR lesson-authoring language. The aspects of the TUTOR language that facilitate display of material, student input and judging of input, and either student-initiated or author-initiated branching in the program are discussed.     

Can computer mice be used as low-cost devices for the acquisition of planar human movement velocity signals?

The main goal of this work is to determine whether a computer mouse can be used as a low-cost device for the acquisition of two-dimensional human movement velocity signals in the context of psychophysical studies and biomedical applications. A comprehensive overview of the related literature is presented, and the problem of characterizing mouse movement acquisition is analyzed and discussed. Then, the quality of velocity signals acquired with this kind of device is measured on horizontal oscillatory movements by comparing the mouse data to the signals acquired simultaneously by a video motion tracking system and a digitizing tablet. A synthesis of the information gathered in this work indicates that the computer mouse can be used for the reliable acquisition of biosignals in the context of human movement studies, particularly for many applications dealing with the velocity of the end effector of the upper limb. This paper concludes by discussing the possibilities and limitations of such use.     

DADTA VI: A minicomputer-based video control system for the analysis of behavioral and electrophysiological data

A computer-automated testing apparatus for monkey and human subjects is described. This dual-computer system generates programmable color video displays and permits on-line collection of behavioral and electrophysiological data. Video displays are generated by an Apple II minicomputer linked via a serial transmission port to a general-purpose laboratory computer (DEC PDP-11/34). Control of event sequences is determined by serial interaction between the two computers. Software (programs) for the collection and analysis of event-related brain potentials data is described, and the experimental and clinical applications of this DADTA VI (Discrimination apparatus for discrete-trial analysis, Version 6) for neuropsychology are discussed.     

Hierarchically distributed processing for psychology

The advantages of loosely coupled hierarchical computer networks for psychological research are discussed. Hardware methods for interconnecting computers are considered, and software communication protocols are detailed. A hierarchy of interconnected computers is formed: (1) large campus computer for statistical analyses, (2) medium scale computer for data concentration and program development, and (3) laboratory computers for data collection. This hierarchy provides efficient computing at all levels and insures maximum computing power at minimum cost.     

Can a small dedicated machine find happiness in a company that pioneered time-sharing?

In the context of an automated psychophysical laboratory, the adequacies and inadequacies of a small computer are discussed. Attention is given to the rationale for choosing the implementation in particular a dedicated small system as opposed to time-shared use of a larger system. The variables discussed include cost, flexibility, language level, and storage capabilities in addition to reliability. A compromise position that appears most viable for the future is also suggested.     

Computerized process control in behavioral science research

A general approach to the design and development of real-time operating systems is discussed. Operating system design for small to medium scale laboratory computers is described at a moderately elementary level. Analysis of system design as a supervisory control hierarchy is presented in an attempt to bridge the gap between an elementary general understanding of computer operation and the more sophisticated understanding assumed by the writers of most computer systems operator’s manuals. PROSS, a programming language developed at Indiana University, is presented as an example of the highest level of supervisory control.     

A rotating buffer system for on-line collection of eye monitor data

Eye movement research often requires the rapid collection and handling of large amounts of data. Such collection would be impossible without the laboratory computer. This paper describes an eye movement data collection system developed for the DEC PDP-11/03 computer. The two central features of the system are a rotating buffer, which saves eye movement data in memory, and direct memory access routines for writing the data to disk. The paper also describes a procedure for testing this or any data collection system, provided the data sampling rate is known. The system presented here is sufficiently general that with slight modifications, it could be used for collecting a wide range of physiological responses, including evoked potentials.     

An acquisition and analysis system for on-line experiments on the neurophysiology of learning

An integrated hardware and software system is used in studying neural correlates of learning. The hardware system is designed to maximize experimental flexibility, while the software system is designed to maximize computer speed for data acquisition and programmer efficiency for data analysis.