Anatomy of an Experiment
An E-Prime experiment is built using a number of different E-Objects - like building blocks. Each block contains information and performs functions
The Experiment Object: consists of global settings such as the name of the data file, and performs global functions such as hardware initialization
The SessionProc Object: The SessionProc object is the "container" for the experiment, and takes the form of a "time line", onto which experiment objects are placed, each of which performs some action
The List Object: A table that specifies the different experimental conditions, the stimuli that will be presented in the different conditions, and the trial procedures that will be performed, as well as the number of trials in each condition
The Procedure Object: specifies the sequence of other objects that perform the individual actions of the experiment
Trial-level objects: for presenting stimuli, recording responses, giving feedback, pausing between stimuli etc.
Blocks are arranged in a hierarchy, with objects lower in the hierarchy "nested" within higher-level objects.
A typical experiment:
Experiment Object
Between-subjects List Object
Session Procedure Object
Within-subjects List Object
Trial Procedure Object
Image/Text/Sound Stimulus Object
Wait Object
Feedback Object