A computer program for determining optimal data transformations minimizing skew

A program is presented that solves for an optimal transformation of data that minimizes skew. Various possible transformations are represented by a function that depends upon a single parameter, λ. A process of iterative approximations is employed to find a value of λ that will transform the data so as to produce a third moment equal to zero. The transformation found by this process may be used as computed or used to indicate which of the commonly employed transformations will most adequately counteract skew. The use of this program in processing data before analysis of variance is discussed.     

A spectral analysis program for the processing of neuro-electric data

The Spectral Analysis Program is designed to perform the following kinds of spectral analysis, using the Cooley-Tukey Fast Fourier Transform Algorithm: cross correlation, cross power spectrum, Fourier transform, inverse Fourier transform, and double Fourier transform (the process of transforming two real functions simultaneously). These operations are performed on two blocks of core that can be filled through time-sequential sampling of an external analog signal or from previously sampled data that have been stored on DECtape. Through the use of nine Teletype commands, the user can manipulate input and output and select a particular type of spectral analysis. Output may be displayed on a 30D scope stored on DECtape or turned into hard copy by a Calcomp plotter used for processing neuroelectric data at the Stanley Cobb Laboratories for Psychiatric Research.     

A system for recording individualized behavioral data in a token program

A data matrix system used to record and summarize individual behavioral data is described. The major characteristics of the system are: (1) it provides a place to record and summarize all patient token exchanges, whether for standard contingencies or for idiosyncratic behavior; (2) it serves as a record and summary for time samples observed during a 24-hr period and as a record of reliability data on time sample measures; (3) it provides a place where the new token balance for each patient can be calculated and recorded for use the next day; (4) it provides for calculation of an individual patient's token balance at any given moment; and (5) it is a permanent record of each patient's daily participation in the program and documents progress in terms of his economic status as well as in changes in critical target behaviors.     

The powerchecker: A visual basic program for ensuring data integrity

Data entry and encoding errors can jeopardize the integrity of data sets generated in a variety of research settings. Despite researchers’ pursuits of more accurate entry methods, data entry errors persist. Although techniques exist for identifying such errors, the PowerChecker program described here provides a more efficient method of data set validation. Rather than enter data twice and then manually search for the correct values when there are discrepancies between the two sets, with PowerChecker the user can correct entry errors as the data are entered the second time. In addition, the time-stamped record of changes to the original data set aids in meeting quality assurance requirements of the Good Clinical Practice standards.     

A minicomputer program for control and data acquisition in classical conditioning

A 4K PDP-8/E computer program package has been developed to control classical conditioning procedures, to collect response data, and to extract statistical summeries. In contrast with other existing behavioral control languages geared to digital data typical of discrete operant analyses, this program distinguishes itself by its ability to retrieve and analyze the analog data arising from phasic response systems such as the rabbit’s nictitating membrane. By means of a question-and-answer Teletype conversation with the E, the program establishes trial sequence and trial spacing parameters; CS and US duration, probability, and interstimulus interval; intertrial interval fractionation for recording intertrial response frequencies; and session length. Various versions of the program exist to compute statistical properties of the analog response data, to dump detailed trial-by-trial topographies, and to attach instrumental contingencies to subtle features of the real-time analog responding.