Using BCR
BCR is a convenient way to develop many projects for PSYC 270, but it is not suitable for everyone. The advantage to BCR is that you can create a fairly complicated procedure, and automate the data collection process. Its disadvantage is that you will need to spend some time learning how to use it. If your project is quite simple, and could be implemented using a pencil-and-paper questionnaire, or a PowerPoint presentation, it may not be worth taking the time to learn about BCR. If you want to measure reaction times, coordinate stimulus presentations carefully, or use responses more complicated than questionnaires, BCR may be essential.
A sample BCR file, BCRDemo.bce, illustrates the kind of experimental operations that can be programmed with BCR. Run this to get an idea how your own experiment might be designed. It illustrates the stimuli, responses, and other features that can be controlled with BCR.
Download the necessary software and install it on your own computer. There are two versions of the software. Version IIs can use spoken responses, but requires a microphone (of course) and the installation of Microsoft's speech recognition software. It will generate errors if you try to use it without the speech software installed. Version IIn leaves out the spoken response options. Download this version unless you need to use spoken responses.
You should also download some sample experiments that will help you learn to use BCR.
You do not need any programming experience to use BCR. However, you should have a clear idea of the experiment you want to develop for your project. You should also be comfortable with translating ideas into working computer applications (preparing a spreadsheet might be a good example).
Workshops will be offered that provide a quick introduction to BCR.
Before the workshop, download BCR and run the experiment file BCRDemos - It illustrates all of the features that are available. Decide which ones you need for your experiment.
To create an experiment, run BCR and from the main panel click on the "Designer" button. To see how the Designer works, look at the built-in demonstration. Click on "Designer" and choose "Introduction to the Designer". Follow the instructions.
Eventually you should examine one or more of the tutorials. Click on "Designer", and choose "Load and review tutorial". You should also review one or more of the sample experiments. Start with the "RT Demo" sample. This is a fairly simple and straightforward experiment, and is a good supplement to the tutorials.
Here is a checklist that you should follow carefully. Make sure you understand all of the steps needed to create an experiment and have it run properly.
Warning: The schedule for PSYC 270 includes a "Pilot study" day prior to the days when you collect data for your experiment. Your BCR program must be working by then.
You will need to make arrangements to have your own experiment installed on the P: drive. In the P:\BCR folder, there is a sub-folder called "PROJECTS". A folder for your experiment will be created under P:\BCR\PROJECTS. For example, if your project is called "JANE", a folder called P:\BCR\PROJECTS\JANE will be created for your project.
Caution: Do not try to create this folder yourself. BCR will not recognize it unless the necessary information has been entered. Contact me at pitz@unc.edu.
You should copy your program and other materials to this folder. Be sure that all the stimulus files you need—bitmap image lists, jpg files, sound or video files—are placed in this folder. All your data will be saved there. When you or your subjects run the experiment, instead of selecting a section number, you and they should select "PROJECTS". Then choose the project name from the list of projects that will be displayed.
Unfortunately all student project folders will be accessible to all students in the course. To prevent loss of your experiment and data, be sure to keep backups of your experiment, and copy the data to your own computer as soon as you can after running the experiment.
To set up your own space on the P: drive, or to obtain more information about BCR, or if you have questions about how to use BCR for your own project, please e-mail me at pitz@unc.edu.