Understanding the Cost of PsychToolBox Matlab Package
The PsychToolBox Matlab package is used extensively for behavioral and cognitive experiments in psychological research. Here, we discuss all you need to know about its cost, especially if you're planning on running experiments with numerous participants.
PsychToolBox Matlab Package License Model
PsychToolBox is open-source software and is available for free download. Unlike proprietary software, open-source software like PsychToolBox doesn't require the user to purchase a license to use, modify, and distribute it. This makes it a popular choice among researchers running studies such as remote studies and cognitive tasks.
Example Cost of a Cognitive Experiment with 100 Participants
Although the PsychToolBox Matlab package itself is free, associated costs can arise when running an online experiment. For example, hosting of the experiment, participant compensation, and potential equipment rentals must be considered. Suppose you're running an experiment with 100 participants, hosting the study on a site like www.cognition.run could cost you around ${estimated hosting cost}. If you're compensating participants with around $10 each, that's a further $1000. Equipment rentals, if necessary, will add to this overall cost.
Hidden Costs
In the process of running behavioral or cognitive experiments, certain hidden costs may arise. For example, the time invested in setting up the experiment, interpreting the results, and dealing with potential troubleshooting adds to the overall investment. Additionally, if you are not proficient in programming with Matlab and PsychToolBox, you may need to spend money on training or hiring experts. Furthermore, hidden costs can also include the time required to recruit suitable participants for your experiment.
Tips to Reduce Costs
The use of specialized software, like jspsych, can significantly simplify the process of setting up and running online experiments, minimizing the cost implications of time and effort. By using open-source software that is community-supported, researchers can often find free or low-cost resources and troubleshooting assistance, reducing the need for costly professional support. Offering fair but minimal compensation to participants or utilizing a participant pool can also help manage costs. Learning programming skills that are widely used in the research community can be beneficial not only for cost-reduction but also for your professional development.
In conclusion, while the PsychToolBox Matlab Package is a powerful tool for psychological research, researchers should be aware of the financial investment required to properly facilitate online experiments. By understanding these costs, researchers can effectively plan and budget their experiments to ensure their studies are both scientifically and economically successful.