To run the programs you'll need access to MATLAB and the following 5 files:

1) P1.txt -- a list of 160 words which we draw the test words from

2) phase1.m

3) phase2.m

4) phase3.m -- the three parts of the test

5) sanalyze.m -- a simple analysis program so you can look at the data you get

Also, feel free to email with any comments, complaints, problems, etc.

Here's info on how to use the files and get your data:

For the first time through, we're going to run the subjects during a WAKING PERIOD. So if the test goes like this:

Then you'd want to the subjects to take phase 3 before they go to bed, and so you'd want them to take phases 1 and 2 eight to twelve hours before you think that's going to happen. Ask them not to take a nap during that period. Phases 1 and 2 combined should take between 1/2 hour and an hour; Phase 3 can be between 5-15 minutes.

Can be anyone who doesn't know what the project's about and who has a reasonable command of English. Also, they shouldn't have done anything

that will seriously interfere with their memory during the test period (Cypress Hill, I'm looking in your direction).

You can run MATLAB off ITS by typing:

setup matlab

matlab

Or you can run it off any computer that has it installed.

If you cannot access a computer with MATLAB, there is a computer for the course where you can run the tests. Email Rory or Gabriel.

This is minor but pretty important. You want the word to be big on the screen, so the subject pays more attention to it. Set the font to "Monaco 24", or, if you can't access that font, another size 24 font. If you're doing it off ITS, you can usually adjust the Terminal settings in a preferences menu; running off a windowing interface, you can go to "File / Preferences" and select "Command Window" in the preferences menu.

While in MATLAB, type: phase1('subject's name') I usually use the subjects initials to keep things simple, so for the subject Slim Slappy for instance, I'd type: phase1('SS') The program will give the subject instructions, then present the words. Right now, it presents 30 words, each for at least 5 seconds, and makes the subject type each word to manually reinforce the memory. It runs

through the whole list of 30 twice. The program also asks if English is the subject's primary language, and produces the file p1-subject.mat

(e.g., p1-SS.mat for subject SS).

In MATLAB, type: phase2('subject's name') in the same manner as phase 1. This part runs through a mix of the 30 presented words (P) and 30 new words, called distractors (D). It presents each word, waits 1 second, then asks the subject if they've seen the word in phase 1. It produces file p2-subject.mat.

Type: phase3('subject's name')

This is the stem-completion task. It presents the first three letters of a word and two dashes (e.g., stamp -> "s t a - -") and asks the subjects to complete the stems. If the subject remembers a word from before that completes it, they should type in that word; otherwise they should type the first word to come to mind. There are a total of 90 words: 30 P, 30 D, and 30 new words (N). One minor thing: they should just type the last two letters and not the whole word -- e.g. for "s t a - -" they just need to type "mp". The program also asks if they remember each word. It produces the file p3-subject.mat.

I've also included a simple analysis program "sanalyze.m" which lets you look at a single subject's data. Right now it just looks at performance on phase 3, and looks at three variables: Number Correct (not really "correct" per se, but rather how many words did they complete that were on the list in P1.txt), Reaction Time, and Conscious Recall (i.e. did they say they remembered the word?). You can also graph the performance (may not work from a terminal). It's a little bit klunky about moving about different subjects; if the project goes well I can send out improved versions of this program. <phew> that looks about it. Once more, direct all questions, thoughts and harrassment to me. If you need me while you're in the middle of getting data, you can also try calling me at 793-3731. Good luck!