Software

Superlab Pro

Superlab is a power full experiment creation package that is installed on all our lab PC's and also our laptops (for use outside of a lab environment). Its key features are;

• Creating bespoke experiments for psychological studies/research.
• It uses a point-and-click interface for easy programming without having to learn to code or write scripts.
• It can be used with a response box, keyboard or mouse input.
• Present varied forms of stimulus: images, video, sound and text.

Eprime

Eprime is similar to Superlab, in that it has an easy to use programming interface for creating experiments. Where Eprime differs is that you can also delve into the heart of the code itself and create more complex experiments. It also links with many other bits of software and hardware, allowing you to capture an even more data-rich set of results.

SPSS (aka PASW Statistics)

SPSS is a statistical analysis package which is installed on all lab PC’s and laptops.

Biopac Student Lab and Student Lab Pro

The Biopac software communicates with the Biopac hardware and interprets the data being received into waveforms on screen. The data can then easily be analysed from within the software.

Facegen

Facegen gives you the tools to generate multiple faces, all with a unique look. You can edit aspects such as gender, skin colour, mouth size/shape, eye position/size, ears, nose and chin shape as well as many other parts of the face. Each face can then be saved as an image file for use in experiments.

Observer XT

This software is used to code videos for analysis. All types of video format can be played through the software, and then specific coding can be setup to give the footage accurate quantitative data. For example, if you recorded a number of interviews you code use Observer to add codes for when someone touched their hair, played with a ring on their finger or maybe if their tone became angry. The software can also integrate with the Eyetracker and EEG hardware and the Face Reader software.

FaceReader 7

The Facereader software uses a set of lights and a web camera in order to map a participant’s face. The software can then analyse the data and give a percentage of how happy, sad, shocked, disgusted or neutral their facial expression is.

Steam

If your experiment involves PC based video games or using bespoke environments, then Steam gives you access to a wealth of games and the ability to utilise custom made worlds. This can be on a standalone PC or using the Oculus Rift virtual reality equipment.

NVivo

NVivo is a qualitative data analysis program that allows you to organise different types of data into a structured format. The software allows you to quickly interrogate the data using powerful search, query and visualisation tools. NVivo is installed on all our lab PC’s.

Matlab

Matlab is a programming environment that gives you the ability to manipulate data and analyse the results in a more coherent format.

NodeXL Pro

NodeXL Pro ia an add-in for Microsoft Excel (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016) that supports social network and content analysis. This software extends the familiar spreadsheet so you can collect, analyze and visualize complex social networks from Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Flickr.

Hardware and Equipment

Please also look at the Equipment page for more detailed information about our specialist equipment that is available.

Laptops

We have a few laptops that can be used for experiments that require some portability. They can be used with a Biopac or Superlab (plus a response box), or we can load your custom experiment on to the laptop.

Video Cameras

We have 3 HD video cameras that can be used to record interviews, focus groups or to create films that you wish to use with another piece of equipment or software (for example the Eyetracker).

Games Consoles

For anyone looking to do research using computer games we have a number of options available:

• Xbox 360
• Nintendo Wii with light gun
• Playstation 2 & 3
• Nintendo Gamecube

Each system has a number of games that have proved useful for violent and non-violent conditions in experiments.

LEAP Motion

Hand motion controller for Windows and VR. This device allows you to interact with a PC using only the motion of your hands. Combined with Virtual Reality it can allow you to interact with virtual worlds simply by moving your hands in front of you.

OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor

We have one clinically validated digital blood pressure monitor that can be used with any of the other equipment we have or on its own if required.

Recon Jet Pro Smart Glasses

Recon Jet Pro smart glasses deliver smartphone-class capabilities in a hands-free wearable device. The glasses have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS, as well as a point-of-view camera that enables see-what-I-see video calls. Using these glasses enables researchers to present visual stimuli to participants who are moving about.

Aftershokz Sportz Titanium Headphones

The bone conduction technology in these headphones delivers audio stimuli through your cheekbones, enabling your ears to remain open allowing you to hear ambient noise.

Technician Skills, Knowledgebase and Expertise

Training

I provide full training for any piece of equipment that you decide to use, and any of the software that you use. I will perform the initial setup of hardware like the Biopac, Eye Tracker and Coldpressor, but train you to be confident to run your own experiment.

Experiment Creation

I can build your experiment for you as long as you contact us with plenty of time before you want to collect your data. Some experiments can be created quite quickly, but others are more complex and require more development time. Experiments can range from simply displaying stimulus through to small games or complex data collection. We can create your experiment using a number of programs:

• Superlab
• Unity C#
• HTML/CSS
• Javescript

Come and discuss your requirements and I will tell you what program I think it will be best to proceed with and any limitations there might be.

Image Creation

Using a number of different 2D art programs I can create illustrations and graphical content for use in presentation, experiments, web and video. I can also manipulate and touch up photographs as well as create scalable vector graphics which have no form of image loss due to compression. The programs I use are:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator

3D Animation and Real-time 3D worlds/environments

Using top of the range 3D packages I can create fully realised digital 3D models of objects and worlds (a popular model is the human brain, which can be pulledl apart and annotated). These models can be rendered out as high resolution still images and animations or exported to other software that allows the model to be manipulated and viewed in real time. I can create bespoke environments that participants can explorer and interact with in real-time, the only limit is your own imagination and ideas. The software used is:

• 3D Studio Max
• Unreal Editor

Green Screen

The Green Screen studio allows me to film or photograph people or objects and then, using post production techniques, remove the background and add anything required. It can be very useful for:

• Adding informative text and images to enhance a presentation or tutorial that is to be delivered via digital medium.
• Enhance recorded interviews with interesting backgrounds.

Photography Studio

I have a Canon SLR camera setup with studio lights and backdrop to allow me to take high quality photos of people and objects.

Video Editing and Post Production

As well as helping you to record video footage I can also edit it all together for you. The finished video can be used on PC/Mac, uploaded to UniTube or used to author a DVD with full menu system. To achieve this I use:

• Adobe Premier
• Adobe Encore
• Adobe After Effects

I can also convert and capture many different video formats in to computer friendly files. Please allow plenty of time for these processes, as they often need to be done in real-time. I can copy and convert any of the following:

• CD
• DVD
• VHS
• DV

Questionnaires

There are an extensive range of psychological tests and measures that can be accessed. These may be available in a hardcopy, digital format or both. It is also possible to order specific questionnaires that are not in stock.