Millisecond Forums » Millisecond Forums » Inquisit 6 » Random presentation of coloured letters

Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:20:04 GMT

Hi All,

I am new to Inquisit and in the process of programming an illusory conjunction task. The paradigm involves the random presentation of three coloured letters flanked by two digits (see image: ). The letters are sampled from a target-population (e.g., X or N) and a distractor population (e.g., HSTO). On a given trial, the letters should be distinct in colour and letter. I am struggling to implement this characteristic in Inquisit and would greatly appreciate your help.

Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours, I have switched to images and defined them as follows:

[code]<item targets>
/1 = "Stimuli\nblue.png"
/2 = "Stimuli\ngreen.png"
...
</item>

<item distractors>
/1 = "Stimuli\oblue.png"
/2 = "Stimuli\ogreen.png"
...
</item>

<list xpos>
/items = (35%,50%,65%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ resetinterval = 0
</list>

<list target>
/ items = (1,2,3,4,5,6)
/ replace = false
/ selectionrate = trial
/ resetinterval = 0
</list>[/code]

Using this code, the pictures are sampled via values determined at the start of each trial (with ontrialstart), which looks like the following:

[code]<picture target>
/ items = letters
/ select = list.target.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>

<picture distr1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = list.distractor1.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>

<picture distr2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = list.distractor2.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>[/code]

The following if-functions are thought to limit the possible distractor space depending on the characteristics of the already selected stimuli. In theory that is, as the if-functions appear not to work as intended. Trials frequently feature stimuli with the same letter or colour. I hope the above code-chunks are sufficient, if not, please see the attached file with the entire script. Thanks in advance for your help!

All the best,
Lukas

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

Dave — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:20:04 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
When trying to replace the colour names with RGB codes, I keep getting the error code 'Missing ['. What is the issue with the following code:

[code]<item itemCols>
/ 1 = "31,119,180"
/ 2 = "255,127,14"
/ 3 = "44,160,44"
/ 4 = "214,39,40"
/ 5 = "148,103,189"
/ 6 = "140,86,75"
/ 7 = "227,119,194"
/ 8 = "23,190,207"
</item>

<list d_colors>
/ items = item.itemCols
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>[/code]
[/quote]

That's not valid syntax. /items in list elements cannot refer to <item> elements and you cannot define the colors that way either. If you want to use RGB codes, you would need three linked lists -- one for the red channel, one for the green channel, one for the blue channel -- though I would simply use hex values if I were you.

[code]<list d_colors>
/ items = (#1f77b4, #ff7f0e, #2ca02c, #d62728, #9467bd, #8c564b, #e377c2, #17becf)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>[/code]

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:05:16 GMT

When trying to replace the colour names with RGB codes, I keep getting the error code 'Missing ['. What is the issue with the following code:

[code]<item itemCols>
/ 1 = "31,119,180"
/ 2 = "255,127,14"
/ 3 = "44,160,44"
/ 4 = "214,39,40"
/ 5 = "148,103,189"
/ 6 = "140,86,75"
/ 7 = "227,119,194"
/ 8 = "23,190,207"
</item>

<list d_colors>
/ items = item.itemCols
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>[/code]

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:13:52 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

You can easily integrate that into the existing logic.

[code]<defaults>
/ fontstyle = ("Arial", 5%, true)
</defaults>

<values>
/ t = 0
/ t_x = 0
/ t_color = black
/ d1 = 0
/ d1_x = 0
/ d1_color = black
/ d2 = 0
/ d2_x = 0
/ d2_color = black

/ cresp = " "
</values>

<text t>
/ items = targets
/ select = values.t
/ hposition = values.t_x
/ txcolor = values.t_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item targets>
/ 1 = "N"
/ 2 = "X"
</item>

<text d1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d1
/ hposition = values.d1_x
/ txcolor = values.d1_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<text d2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d2
/ hposition = values.d2_x
/ txcolor = values.d2_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item distractors>
/ 1 = "H"
/ 1 = "S"
/ 1 = "T"
/ 1 = "O"
</item>

// 30 trials in this example,
// 15 x target 1 ("N")
// 15 x target 2 ("X")
<list t_items>
/ items = (1,2)
/ poolsize = 10
</list>

// two distractors sampled per trial at random
<list d_items>
/ items = (1,2,3,4)
/ selectionrate = always
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in left position,
// target 10 x in middle position,
// target 10 x in right position
<list t_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random position for two distractors, not equal to target position
<list d_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_x)
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in red,
// target 10 x in green,
// target 10 x in blue,
<list t_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random colors for two distractors, not equal to target color
<list d_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>

<trial example>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    // select target item
    values.t = list.t_items.nextvalue;
    // select distractor items
    values.d1 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    values.d2 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    // select target position
    values.t_x = list.t_x.nextvalue;
    // select distractor positions
    values.d1_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    values.d2_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    // select target color
    values.t_color = list.t_colors.nextvalue;
    // and corresponding response key
    if (values.t_color == red) {
        values.cresp = "R";
    } else if (values.t_color == green) {
        values.cresp = "G";
    } else if (values.t_color == blue) {
        values.cresp = "B";
    };
    // select distractor colors
    values.d1_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
    values.d2_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
]

/ ontrialend = [
    // reset relevant lists for next trial
    list.d_items.reset();
    list.d_x.reset();
    list.d_colors.reset();
]

/ stimulusframes = [1=clearscreen, t, d1, d2]
/ validresponse = ("R", "G", "B")
/ correctresponse = (values.cresp)
</trial>

<block myblock>
/ trials = [1-30 = example]
/ correctmessage = true(correctmsg, 500)
/ errormessage = true(errormsg, 500)
</block>

<text correctmsg>
/ items = ("CORRECT")
/ color = green
/ position = (50%, 80%)
/ erase = false
</text>

<text errormsg>
/ items = ("WRONG")
/ color = red
/ position = (50%, 80%)
/ erase = false
</text>[/code]
[/quote]

Thanks a lot

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

Dave — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:11:29 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

Here's a basic example:

[code]<defaults>
/ fontstyle = ("Arial", 5%, true)
</defaults>

<values>
/ t = 0
/ t_x = 0
/ t_color = black
/ d1 = 0
/ d1_x = 0
/ d1_color = black
/ d2 = 0
/ d2_x = 0
/ d2_color = black
</values>

<text t>
/ items = targets
/ select = values.t
/ hposition = values.t_x
/ txcolor = values.t_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item targets>
/ 1 = "N"
/ 2 = "X"
</item>

<text d1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d1
/ hposition = values.d1_x
/ txcolor = values.d1_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<text d2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d2
/ hposition = values.d2_x
/ txcolor = values.d2_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item distractors>
/ 1 = "H"
/ 1 = "S"
/ 1 = "T"
/ 1 = "O"
</item>

// 30 trials in this example,
// 15 x target 1 ("N")
// 15 x target 2 ("X")
<list t_items>
/ items = (1,2)
/ poolsize = 10
</list>

// two distractors sampled per trial at random
<list d_items>
/ items = (1,2,3,4)
/ selectionrate = always
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in left position,
// target 10 x in middle position,
// target 10 x in right position
<list t_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random position for two distractors, not equal to target position
<list d_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_x)
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in red,
// target 10 x in green,
// target 10 x in blue,
<list t_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random colors for two distractors, not equal to target color
<list d_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>

<trial example>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    // select target item
    values.t = list.t_items.nextvalue;
    // select distractor items
    values.d1 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    values.d2 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    // select target position
    values.t_x = list.t_x.nextvalue;
    // select distractor positions
    values.d1_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    values.d2_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    // select target color
    values.t_color = list.t_colors.nextvalue;
    // select distractor colors
    values.d1_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
    values.d2_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
]

/ ontrialend = [
    // reset relevant lists for next trial
    list.d_items.reset();
    list.d_x.reset();
    list.d_colors.reset();
]

/ stimulusframes = [1=clearscreen, t, d1, d2]
/ validresponse = (57)
</trial>

<block myblock>
/ trials = [1-30 = example]
</block>
[/code]
[/quote]

Thanks! Sadly, this would have taken me hours. One additional question, if I want the correct response to be conditional on the colour of the presented target, how would I equate the different colours to the different response keys?
[/quote]

You can easily integrate that into the existing logic.

[code]<defaults>
/ fontstyle = ("Arial", 5%, true)
</defaults>

<values>
/ t = 0
/ t_x = 0
/ t_color = black
/ d1 = 0
/ d1_x = 0
/ d1_color = black
/ d2 = 0
/ d2_x = 0
/ d2_color = black

/ cresp = " "
</values>

<text t>
/ items = targets
/ select = values.t
/ hposition = values.t_x
/ txcolor = values.t_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item targets>
/ 1 = "N"
/ 2 = "X"
</item>

<text d1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d1
/ hposition = values.d1_x
/ txcolor = values.d1_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<text d2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d2
/ hposition = values.d2_x
/ txcolor = values.d2_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item distractors>
/ 1 = "H"
/ 1 = "S"
/ 1 = "T"
/ 1 = "O"
</item>

// 30 trials in this example,
// 15 x target 1 ("N")
// 15 x target 2 ("X")
<list t_items>
/ items = (1,2)
/ poolsize = 10
</list>

// two distractors sampled per trial at random
<list d_items>
/ items = (1,2,3,4)
/ selectionrate = always
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in left position,
// target 10 x in middle position,
// target 10 x in right position
<list t_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random position for two distractors, not equal to target position
<list d_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_x)
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in red,
// target 10 x in green,
// target 10 x in blue,
<list t_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random colors for two distractors, not equal to target color
<list d_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>

<trial example>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    // select target item
    values.t = list.t_items.nextvalue;
    // select distractor items
    values.d1 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    values.d2 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    // select target position
    values.t_x = list.t_x.nextvalue;
    // select distractor positions
    values.d1_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    values.d2_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    // select target color
    values.t_color = list.t_colors.nextvalue;
    // and corresponding response key
    if (values.t_color == red) {
        values.cresp = "R";
    } else if (values.t_color == green) {
        values.cresp = "G";
    } else if (values.t_color == blue) {
        values.cresp = "B";
    };
    // select distractor colors
    values.d1_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
    values.d2_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
]

/ ontrialend = [
    // reset relevant lists for next trial
    list.d_items.reset();
    list.d_x.reset();
    list.d_colors.reset();
]

/ stimulusframes = [1=clearscreen, t, d1, d2]
/ validresponse = ("R", "G", "B")
/ correctresponse = (values.cresp)
</trial>

<block myblock>
/ trials = [1-30 = example]
/ correctmessage = true(correctmsg, 500)
/ errormessage = true(errormsg, 500)
</block>

<text correctmsg>
/ items = ("CORRECT")
/ color = green
/ position = (50%, 80%)
/ erase = false
</text>

<text errormsg>
/ items = ("WRONG")
/ color = red
/ position = (50%, 80%)
/ erase = false
</text>[/code]

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:59:49 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

Here's a basic example:

[code]<defaults>
/ fontstyle = ("Arial", 5%, true)
</defaults>

<values>
/ t = 0
/ t_x = 0
/ t_color = black
/ d1 = 0
/ d1_x = 0
/ d1_color = black
/ d2 = 0
/ d2_x = 0
/ d2_color = black
</values>

<text t>
/ items = targets
/ select = values.t
/ hposition = values.t_x
/ txcolor = values.t_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item targets>
/ 1 = "N"
/ 2 = "X"
</item>

<text d1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d1
/ hposition = values.d1_x
/ txcolor = values.d1_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<text d2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d2
/ hposition = values.d2_x
/ txcolor = values.d2_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item distractors>
/ 1 = "H"
/ 1 = "S"
/ 1 = "T"
/ 1 = "O"
</item>

// 30 trials in this example,
// 15 x target 1 ("N")
// 15 x target 2 ("X")
<list t_items>
/ items = (1,2)
/ poolsize = 10
</list>

// two distractors sampled per trial at random
<list d_items>
/ items = (1,2,3,4)
/ selectionrate = always
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in left position,
// target 10 x in middle position,
// target 10 x in right position
<list t_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random position for two distractors, not equal to target position
<list d_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_x)
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in red,
// target 10 x in green,
// target 10 x in blue,
<list t_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random colors for two distractors, not equal to target color
<list d_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>

<trial example>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    // select target item
    values.t = list.t_items.nextvalue;
    // select distractor items
    values.d1 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    values.d2 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    // select target position
    values.t_x = list.t_x.nextvalue;
    // select distractor positions
    values.d1_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    values.d2_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    // select target color
    values.t_color = list.t_colors.nextvalue;
    // select distractor colors
    values.d1_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
    values.d2_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
]

/ ontrialend = [
    // reset relevant lists for next trial
    list.d_items.reset();
    list.d_x.reset();
    list.d_colors.reset();
]

/ stimulusframes = [1=clearscreen, t, d1, d2]
/ validresponse = (57)
</trial>

<block myblock>
/ trials = [1-30 = example]
</block>
[/code]
[/quote]

Thanks! Sadly, this would have taken me hours. One additional question, if I want the correct response to be conditional on the colour of the presented target, how would I equate the different colours to the different response keys?

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

Dave — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:47:54 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

This pertained to a case where you have a single <text> element and want to display single letters or words of a given *item* in different colors than the rest of the item's words or letters. That wasn't possible back then (though it is now). You, however, have separate <text> elements for target and distractors anyway, which can easily be displayed in different colors, that was possible even back then and of course still is.
[/quote]

Thanks for your response, Dave. Would you be able to demonstrate how this could be achieved? My previous attempts have been without success :/
[/quote]

Here's a basic example:

[code]<defaults>
/ fontstyle = ("Arial", 5%, true)
</defaults>

<values>
/ t = 0
/ t_x = 0
/ t_color = black
/ d1 = 0
/ d1_x = 0
/ d1_color = black
/ d2 = 0
/ d2_x = 0
/ d2_color = black
</values>

<text t>
/ items = targets
/ select = values.t
/ hposition = values.t_x
/ txcolor = values.t_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item targets>
/ 1 = "N"
/ 2 = "X"
</item>

<text d1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d1
/ hposition = values.d1_x
/ txcolor = values.d1_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<text d2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = values.d2
/ hposition = values.d2_x
/ txcolor = values.d2_color
/ erase = false
</text>

<item distractors>
/ 1 = "H"
/ 1 = "S"
/ 1 = "T"
/ 1 = "O"
</item>

// 30 trials in this example,
// 15 x target 1 ("N")
// 15 x target 2 ("X")
<list t_items>
/ items = (1,2)
/ poolsize = 10
</list>

// two distractors sampled per trial at random
<list d_items>
/ items = (1,2,3,4)
/ selectionrate = always
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in left position,
// target 10 x in middle position,
// target 10 x in right position
<list t_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random position for two distractors, not equal to target position
<list d_x>
/ items = (40%, 50%, 60%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_x)
</list>

// 30 trials in this example,
// target 10 x in red,
// target 10 x in green,
// target 10 x in blue,
<list t_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ poolsize = 30
</list>

// random colors for two distractors, not equal to target color
<list d_colors>
/ items = (red, green, blue)
/ selectionrate = always
/ not = (values.t_color)
</list>

<trial example>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    // select target item
    values.t = list.t_items.nextvalue;
    // select distractor items
    values.d1 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    values.d2 = list.d_items.nextvalue;
    // select target position
    values.t_x = list.t_x.nextvalue;
    // select distractor positions
    values.d1_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    values.d2_x = list.d_x.nextvalue;
    // select target color
    values.t_color = list.t_colors.nextvalue;
    // select distractor colors
    values.d1_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
    values.d2_color = list.d_colors.nextvalue;
]

/ ontrialend = [
    // reset relevant lists for next trial
    list.d_items.reset();
    list.d_x.reset();
    list.d_colors.reset();
]

/ stimulusframes = [1=clearscreen, t, d1, d2]
/ validresponse = (57)
</trial>

<block myblock>
/ trials = [1-30 = example]
</block>
[/code]

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:37:50 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

This pertained to a case where you have a single <text> element and want to display single letters or words of a given *item* in different colors than the rest of the item's words or letters. That wasn't possible back then (though it is now). You, however, have separate <text> elements for target and distractors anyway, which can easily be displayed in different colors, that was possible even back then and of course still is.
[/quote]

Thanks for your response, Dave. Would you be able to demonstrate how this could be achieved? My previous attempts have been without success :/

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

Dave — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:33:56 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

> Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours

What makes you think that?
[/quote]

This forum entry from a few years back. However, I am more than happy to explore alternative avenues in setting up an illusory conjunction task.
[/quote]

https://www.millisecond.com/forums/Topic18657.aspx
[/quote]

This pertained to a case where you have a single <text> element and want to display single letters or words of a given *item* in different colors than the rest of the item's words or letters. That wasn't possible back then (though it is now). You, however, have separate <text> elements for target and distractors anyway, which can easily be displayed in different colors, that was possible even back then and of course still is.

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:22:38 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

> Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours

What makes you think that?
[/quote]

This forum entry from a few years back. However, I am more than happy to explore alternative avenues in setting up an illusory conjunction task.
[/quote]

https://www.millisecond.com/forums/Topic18657.aspx

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:22:01 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 1/24/2022[/b]

> Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours

What makes you think that?
[/quote]

This forum entry from a few years back. However, I am more than happy to explore alternative avenues in setting up an illusory conjunction task.

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

Dave — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:18:13 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
Hi All,

I am new to Inquisit and in the process of programming an illusory conjunction task. The paradigm involves the random presentation of three coloured letters flanked by two digits (see image: ). The letters are sampled from a target-population (e.g., X or N) and a distractor population (e.g., HSTO). On a given trial, the letters should be distinct in colour and letter. I am struggling to implement this characteristic in Inquisit and would greatly appreciate your help.

Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours, I have switched to images and defined them as follows:

[code]<item targets>
/1 = "Stimuli\nblue.png"
/2 = "Stimuli\ngreen.png"
...
</item>

<item distractors>
/1 = "Stimuli\oblue.png"
/2 = "Stimuli\ogreen.png"
...
</item>

<list xpos>
/items = (35%,50%,65%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ resetinterval = 0
</list>

<list target>
/ items = (1,2,3,4,5,6)
/ replace = false
/ selectionrate = trial
/ resetinterval = 0
</list>[/code]

Using this code, the pictures are sampled via values determined at the start of each trial (with ontrialstart), which looks like the following:

[code]<picture target>
/ items = letters
/ select = list.target.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>

<picture distr1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = list.distractor1.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>

<picture distr2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = list.distractor2.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>[/code]

The following if-functions are thought to limit the possible distractor space depending on the characteristics of the already selected stimuli. In theory that is, as the if-functions appear not to work as intended. Trials frequently feature stimuli with the same letter or colour. I hope the above code-chunks are sufficient, if not, please see the attached file with the entire script. Thanks in advance for your help!

All the best,
Lukas

[/quote]

This is trial-code, intended to update the values to sample the picture stimuli:

[code]<trial trial200>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    values.selectTarget = list.target.nextvalue;
    values.currentTarget = values.selectTarget;

    if(values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 1 || values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 7){
        values.targetColor = "blue"
    } elese if (values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 3 || values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 9){
        values.targetColor = "green"
    } else if (values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 6 || values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 12){
        values.targetColor = "red"
    }

    list.xpos.reset();
    picture.target.hposition = list.xpos.nextvalue;
    picture.distr1.hposition = list.xpos.nextvalue;
    picture.distr2.hposition = list.xpos.nextvalue;

    //TARGET - SELECTION OF 1st DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetBlue){
        values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1bl.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetGreen){
        values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1gr.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetRed){
        values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1re.nextvalue
    }

    //BLUE TARGET - SELECTION OF 2nd DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetBlue && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Green){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blgr.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetBlue && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Red){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blre.nextvalue
    }

    //GREEN TARGET - SELECTION OF 2nd DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetGreen && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Blue){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blgr.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetGreen && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Red){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2grre.nextvalue
    }

    //RED TARGET - SELECTION OF 2nd DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetRed && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Blue){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blre.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetRed && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Green){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2grre.nextvalue
    }

]

/ response = timeout(parameters.responseWindow)
/ validresponse = (parameters.blueKey, parameters.greenKey, parameters.redKey)
/ iscorrectresponse = [
    return (
    (values.currentTarget == 1 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.blueKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 7 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.blueKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 3 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.greenKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 9 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.greenKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 6 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.redKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 12 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.redKey))
    ]

/ stimulustimes = [0 = text.fixation;250 = picture.target, picture.distr1, picture.distr2; 1000 = shape.eraser; 1001 = picture.noisemask; 1501 = shape.eraser]

/ ontrialend = [

    //reset(list.distr1bl); reset(list.distr1gr); reset(list.distr1re);
    //reset(list.distr2blgr); reset(list.distr2blre); reset(list.distr2grre);
    //reset(list.xpos); reset(values.)

    values.selectDistr1 = 0;
    values.selectDistr2 = 0

]

</trial>[/code]
[/quote]

> Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours

What makes you think that?

RE: Random presentation of coloured letters

lukasg — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:15:24 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]lukasg - 1/24/2022[/b]
Hi All,

I am new to Inquisit and in the process of programming an illusory conjunction task. The paradigm involves the random presentation of three coloured letters flanked by two digits (see image: ). The letters are sampled from a target-population (e.g., X or N) and a distractor population (e.g., HSTO). On a given trial, the letters should be distinct in colour and letter. I am struggling to implement this characteristic in Inquisit and would greatly appreciate your help.

Since Inquisit seems unable to present separate text-items in combination or a text-element with different colours, I have switched to images and defined them as follows:

[code]<item targets>
/1 = "Stimuli\nblue.png"
/2 = "Stimuli\ngreen.png"
...
</item>

<item distractors>
/1 = "Stimuli\oblue.png"
/2 = "Stimuli\ogreen.png"
...
</item>

<list xpos>
/items = (35%,50%,65%)
/ selectionrate = always
/ resetinterval = 0
</list>

<list target>
/ items = (1,2,3,4,5,6)
/ replace = false
/ selectionrate = trial
/ resetinterval = 0
</list>[/code]

Using this code, the pictures are sampled via values determined at the start of each trial (with ontrialstart), which looks like the following:

[code]<picture target>
/ items = letters
/ select = list.target.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>

<picture distr1>
/ items = distractors
/ select = list.distractor1.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>

<picture distr2>
/ items = distractors
/ select = list.distractor2.nextvalue
/ erase = false
/ position = (list.xpos.nextvalue, 50%)
</picture>[/code]

The following if-functions are thought to limit the possible distractor space depending on the characteristics of the already selected stimuli. In theory that is, as the if-functions appear not to work as intended. Trials frequently feature stimuli with the same letter or colour. I hope the above code-chunks are sufficient, if not, please see the attached file with the entire script. Thanks in advance for your help!

All the best,
Lukas

[/quote]

This is trial-code, intended to update the values to sample the picture stimuli:

[code]<trial trial200>
/ ontrialbegin = [
    values.selectTarget = list.target.nextvalue;
    values.currentTarget = values.selectTarget;

    if(values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 1 || values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 7){
        values.targetColor = "blue"
    } elese if (values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 3 || values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 9){
        values.targetColor = "green"
    } else if (values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 6 || values.selectTarget.currentvalue == 12){
        values.targetColor = "red"
    }

    list.xpos.reset();
    picture.target.hposition = list.xpos.nextvalue;
    picture.distr1.hposition = list.xpos.nextvalue;
    picture.distr2.hposition = list.xpos.nextvalue;

    //TARGET - SELECTION OF 1st DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetBlue){
        values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1bl.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetGreen){
        values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1gr.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetRed){
        values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1re.nextvalue
    }

    //BLUE TARGET - SELECTION OF 2nd DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetBlue && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Green){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blgr.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetBlue && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Red){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blre.nextvalue
    }

    //GREEN TARGET - SELECTION OF 2nd DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetGreen && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Blue){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blgr.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetGreen && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Red){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2grre.nextvalue
    }

    //RED TARGET - SELECTION OF 2nd DISTR
    if(picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetRed && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Blue){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2blre.nextvalue
    } else if (picture.target.currentvalue == list.targetRed && values.selectDistr1 == list.distr1Green){
        values.selectDistr2 == list.distr2grre.nextvalue
    }

]

/ response = timeout(parameters.responseWindow)
/ validresponse = (parameters.blueKey, parameters.greenKey, parameters.redKey)
/ iscorrectresponse = [
    return (
    (values.currentTarget == 1 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.blueKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 7 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.blueKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 3 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.greenKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 9 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.greenKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 6 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.redKey) ||
    (values.currentTarget == 12 && trial.trial200.responsetext == parameters.redKey))
    ]

/ stimulustimes = [0 = text.fixation;250 = picture.target, picture.distr1, picture.distr2; 1000 = shape.eraser; 1001 = picture.noisemask; 1501 = shape.eraser]

/ ontrialend = [

    //reset(list.distr1bl); reset(list.distr1gr); reset(list.distr1re);
    //reset(list.distr2blgr); reset(list.distr2blre); reset(list.distr2grre);
    //reset(list.xpos); reset(values.)

    values.selectDistr1 = 0;
    values.selectDistr2 = 0

]

</trial>[/code]