RunScript: An extendable object-oriented program for computer-controlled psychology experiments

Author(s): Neverov, M., Haneef, O.

Journal/Book: Behav Res Method Instrum Comp. 1997; 29: 1710 Fortview Rd, Austin, TX 78704. Psychonomic Soc Inc. 313-321.

Abstract: RunScript is a general-purpose authoring program that allows one to specify, ina script text Ne, the steps to be undertaken in the execution of an experiment. The script language supports fundamental operations, such as conditional branching to script-defined labels, manipulation of variables, sending the user messages, appending a string to a data file, and executing a subsidiary script file. A second command type allows runtime loading and execution of custom object-oriented software modules. A module's methods (or routines) are accessed from the script file simply by citing their text names, with optional variables likewise specified via a character string. Module development is simplified by requiring that new modules inherit existing code that implements protocols for passing variables and interacting with the script interpreter. These mechanisms allow the experimenter to add features of arbitrary complexity while maintaining simplicity, clarity, and consistency in the overall architecture of the software and the scripting language.

Note: Article Eberhardt SP, Swarthmore Coll, Dept Engn, Swarthmore,PA 19081 USA

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