User`s guide
E-Prime User’s Guide
Appendix A: Timing Test Results
Page A-2
computer. Figure 1 is a display of a completely clean computer. This is the ideal scenario and
may not be possible to achieve on all hardware setups because of various drivers that may be
required for proper operation of the computer hardware. The Windows Explorer application will
always be listed, as it is responsible for running the Windows desktop. If other applications or
utilities are listed due to the configuration of the machine, be aware of the tasks each program
performs. It is important to know if these programs are indeed necessary while running an
experiment, since the programs may be taking processor time.
Figure 1. Ideal listing of operating programs before running an
experiment. Note this is the ideal minimum. Other programs will
be displayed depending on the configuration of the machine.
Running the RefreshClockTest
Psychology Software Tools provides a test experiment designed to enable the collection and
analysis of timing data on Windows 95/98/ME
®
computers. The purpose of the experiment is to
assess the potential timing accuracy of a computer for research. The experiment is available
from the PST web site (http://www.pstnet.com).
To run the test experiment, follow the steps listed below:
1. Download and unzip the test (RefreshClockTest.ZIP).
2. Close all other open applications (i.e., no running applications present on the taskbar).
3. Launch E-Studio from the E-Prime menu via the Start menu.
4. Open RefeshClockTest.ES in E-Studio.
5. Generate and run the experiment by pressing the {F7} key. When E-Prime prompts
for Subject, Session, and Group values, it is suggested that a machine ID be entered
as the Subject number, the sequential run number be entered as the Session number,
and the test ID (see #6) be entered as the Group number. It is also suggested that
the user keep a written log of the results.
6. Read through the prompts and then select the duration of the test: Enter “1” to run the
test for 1 minute, “2” to run for 25 minutes, or “3” to run the test for 6 hours.
Print the results logged in the test output file RefreshClockTest-#-#.OUT, where the “#” values
refer to the entered Subject (machine ID), and Session (sequential run) values.