Programming for Behavioural Science

Whether it's called programming, coding, or software engineering, many people find it almost as intimidating as formal mathematics, and as a result avoid learning to use a computer to its fullest potential. This is particularly true of behavioural scientists. Computers can be used to conduct tightly controlled experiments, analyze data in new and unique ways, or simulate a model of behavioural phenomena that might reveal unexpected predictions. But only those who dare to learn programming can take advantage of these powers. This book is designed for the person with no coding experience at all, but a general familiarity with computers, like what a mouse is, how to turn a computer on and off, and how to use common software like the Microsoft Office suite. From that beginning, the reader is led step by step through all the necessary skills to write custom software for conducting an experiment or doing a simulation. Augmented with videos that show each step, by the end the reader will have programmed a fully functioning experiment that presents stimuli, records behaviour, adapts to that behaviour, and interfaces with external devices such as eye trackers or neuroimaging scanners.