STM Experimenter: Using HyperCard and MacRecorder in short-term memory experiments

We describe a Macintosh program for the presentation of spoken word lists in short-term memory (STM) experiments. The program was developed with the use of HyperCard and MacRecorder. Parameters such as rate of item presentation, number of items per trial, and number of trials per block may be adjusted by the experimenter. The program features high-quality digitized sound, trial-to-trial word list randomization, and data logging. Computer-based experimentation offers several advantages over traditional approaches that involve tape recordings or lists read aloud by the experimenter. Methodological improvements afforded by computer-controlled item administration are discussed.