User`s guide

E-Prime User’s Guide
Appendix E: Object Execution Timing
Page A-57
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The figures below indicate the timing of events that compose the execution of runnable objects
within E-Prime. The first figure illustrates the events of a single object, while Figures 2 and 3
illustrate the relationships between multiple objects when using Event and Cumulative timing
modes. Each time point that is noted is logged in the data file as a property of the object when
Time Audit and Time Audit (Extended) logging is enabled via the Logging tab for an individual
object. Refer to the Time Audit topic in the E-Basic Online Help for complete definitions of each
property.
Figure 1. Events composing the execution of a single object
The timing for a single event is influenced by the steps necessary to both set up and clean up the
object, as well as other considerations, such as synchronization with the refresh of the screen,
the clearing of the display, or the timing mode used by previous objects.
Setup Sync
A.OnsetDelay
A.Duration
A.ActionDelay
Sync
Actual Duration
(A.OffsetTime - A.OnsetTime)
Previous object did
not use PreRelease
so A.TargetOnsetTime is
some time in the past.
A.StartTime
A.FinishTime
A.OnsetTime
A.ActionTime
A.OffsetTime
A.TargetOnsetTime
A.TargetOffsetTime
A.OffsetDelay
ClearAfter/StopAfter
option used to clear
stimulus at end of
Duration.
In general, each object first goes through a setup stage to prepare its stimulus. It then
(optionally) synchronizes with a vertical refresh signal, enables any associated response inputs,
and presents its stimulus. The object then waits for a precalculated duration (which is influenced
by timing mode). If the object is to remove its stimulus at the end of the duration, it again
(optionally) syncs with the vertical retrace, removes its stimlus (e.g., by clearing the screen),
performs some internal housekeeping activities, and finishes its execution.