A Comprehensive Guide to Using MTurk for Online Behavioral and Cognitive Experiments
Running online experiments, especially in the field of psychological research, presents an array of challenges. Yet, it's a necessary endeavour to open the path of discovery and understanding. If used effectively, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a powerful tool aiding researchers conduct comprehensive remote studies. Whether performing behavioral experiments, cognitive tasks, or other cognitive experiments, MTurk provides researchers access to a diverse pool of participants.
Getting Started with MTurk
Getting started with online experiments on MTurk involves three crucial steps: creating an account, understanding the MTurk environment, and designing the experiment using platforms like jsPsych or www.cognition.run. It's important to familiarize yourself with the MTurk's fee structure as well, as it charges a fee for the use of their platform.
Where to Find Help
Online resources for MTurk are plentiful. Firstly, MTurk itself has an extensive help section. Additionally, there are numerous forums, blogs, and guides on the internet providing valuable information and assistance for researchers. For example, the MTurk Developer Guide offers a technical guide for advanced users.
How to Ask Questions
When you encounter issues with your experiments, don't hesitate to ask questions. Platforms like r/mturk Reddit community, or the MTurk forum are perfect for this purpose. It's also important to frequent online psychology research communities, as seasoned researchers often share their knowledge and personal experiences.
Where to Find Courses
There are numerous online learning platforms offering courses related to conducting online experiments. Websites like Coursera or Udemy host relevant courses taught by experts in the field. Look for courses that provide comprehensive coverage on designing, creating, and running online studies.
How to Find Advanced Topics
For advanced topics related to online experimentation using MTurk, explore scientific articles and journals. Some research databases like PubMed or PLOS One often contain articles discussing advanced methodologies and findings using MTurk.
How to Connect With the Community
Beyond just asking questions, connecting with the wider community offers opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. Participate in online groups, follow relevant blogs, attend webinars, or join communities on social media platforms. An active interaction helps in making the most out of MTurk and other online experimentation platforms.
Running experiments, especially cognitive tasks, online is a complex undertaking. Yet, with the right tools and communities, it becomes an accomplishable task. Remember that creating beneficial behavioral experiments or cognitive experiment online is a slow process, yet the doors it opens to global psychological research are invaluable.