User`s guide

E-Prime User’s Guide
Chapter 2: Using E-Studio
Page 36
of selection (e.g., sequential, random) is determined by the properties of the WordList. Let's
assume the second row of the WordList is selected (ID = 2 with Word = dog). The variable
[Word] is set to “dog," then the experiment returns to the DesignList to set the other attributes. In
the DesignList, the Stimulus attribute refers to the Word attribute using bracket notation (i.e.,
[Word]). Thus, for the Stimulus attribute, the experiment resolves the value of [Word] using the
value obtained from the nested List, and the Stimulus attribute is set to “dog.” After the resolution
of all relevant attribute values, the first trial would present the stimulus of “dog” selected from the
nested List (i.e., WordList).
Special Note: When using nested Lists, there may be very few rows in the List object referencing
the nested Lists (e.g., In this example, the DesignList was reduced to two rows of Word and
NonWord). This can produce a random, alternation sequence that the subject might use to
predict the sequence. For example, sampling from a two row DesignList, the subject might notice
that if the first stimulus is condition A, then the second must be condition B. It is a good idea to
increase the number of conditions, or increase the Weight values of the conditions so there are at
least 4 conditions. This reduces the chances of the subject “figuring out” the sampling method
and being able to predict the next stimulus.
If the design requires that multiple items be picked from the same list, E-Prime provides a method
for doing this. A colon syntax is used to indicate the number of exemplars to be chosen from the
same List during a single trial. Refer to section 2.6.6.1 for detailed information concerning the
colon syntax.
2.5.1.3 Method C – Factor Table Wizard
Note: A finished version of Stage3-MethodC-LexicalDecision001.es is located in the C:\My Experiments\Tutorials\Using
E-Studio Stages directory.
For complex factorial designs, use the Factor Table Wizard to construct the full crossing of the
factors and levels. This is preferred with large designs containing multiple variables. This is done
by using an Excel macro to create factors, and subsequently a full crossing of the factors, and
finally copying the conditions into E-Studio. Launch the Factor Table Wizard from the E-Prime
programs menu.
Follow the instructions included on the template to construct the factors and the levels for each
factor, and to construct a model for the List including the full factorial. Use Ctrl+A to create the
conditions as drawn below, and Ctrl+D to create the table of combined factors.