Python for Experimental Psychologists

Programming is an important part of experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience, and Python is an ideal language for novices. It sports a very readable syntax, intuitive variable management, and a very large body of functionality that ranges from simple arithmetic to complex computing.

Python for Experimental Psychologists provides researchers without prior programming experience with the knowledge they need to independently script experiments and analyses in Python. It teaches readers the basics of programming in Python, enabling them to go on and program their own experiments. The skills it offers include: how to display stimuli on a computer screen; how to get input from peripherals (e.g. keyboard, mouse etc.) and specialized equipment (e.g. eye trackers); how to log data; and how to control timing. In addition, it shows readers the basic principles of data analysis applied to behavioral data, and the more advanced techniques required to analyse trace data (e.g. pupil size and EEG) and gaze data.

Written informally and accessibly, the book deliberately focuses on the parts of Python that are relevant to experimental psychologists and cognitive neuroscientists. It is also accompanied by a companion website where you will find colour versions of the figures, along with example stimuli, datasets and scripts, and a portable Windows installation of Python.

Edwin Dalmaijer is an Early Stage Research Fellow in the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. He has authored several Python libraries, standalone software packages, teaching materials, and research articles.