Matlab for psychologists

Presents examples and terminology that address the specific information needs of psychologists Not only supplies MATLAB routines that can be used in psychology, it also provides a conceptual frame of reference for readers to design their own experiments in psychology Explores connections to such external programs as Excel Is useful for both expert and less-experienced computer programmers Examines the use of specific toolboxes dedicated to psychologists Uses psychological vocabulary combined with real-case examples The matrix laboratory interactive computing environment—MATLAB—has brought creativity to research in diverse disciplines, particularly in designing and programming experiments. More commonly used in mathematics and the sciences, it also lends itself to a variety of applications across the field of psychology. For the novice looking to use it in experimental psychology research, though, becoming familiar with MATLAB can be a daunting task. MATLAB for Psychologists expertly guides readers through the component steps, skills, and operations of the software, with plentiful graphics and examples to match the reader’s comfort level. Using an extended illustration, this concise volume explains the program’s usefulness at any point in an experiment, without the limits imposed by other types of software. And the authors demonstrate the responsiveness of MATLAB to the individual’s research needs, whether the task is programming experiments, creating sensory stimuli, running simulations, or calculating statistics for data analysis. Key features of the coverage: Thinking in a matrix way. Handling and plotting data. Guidelines for improved programming, sound, and imaging. Statistical analysis and signal detection theory indexes. The Graphical User Interface. The Psychophysics Toolbox. MATLAB for Psychologists serves a wide audience of advanced undergraduate and graduate level psychology students, professors, and researchers as well as lab technicians involved in programming psychology experiments.