Millisecond Forums » Millisecond Forums » Inquisit 7 » Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Dave — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:04:01 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Wasabi8888 - 6/23/2026[/b]
Hi Dave,

I noticed that in the Continuous Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) script, the labels move together with the circles when they are dragged. I’m not quite sure how this is implemented. Is it possible to use the same approach for the dots in the current task?

Thanks
[/quote]

They're not moved *while* the circle is dragged. Once the circle has been dropped, i.e. is at its new position, the label text is set to a new positioin accordingly. It happens after the dragging and dropping has been completed, a different thing than what you asked.

Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Wasabi8888 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:03:23 GMT

Hi,

I adapted the Continuous Inclusion of Other in the Self (Continuous IOS) script from the Inquisit test library. However, instead of measuring circle overlap, I would like to measure perceived social distance using draggable dots on a continuous line scale (similar to a slider).

Specifically:
* In the first part, participants would drag a dot on the right side (representing one identity) along a line to indicate the perceived distance between two identities (measured in millimetres or pixels), while the dot on the left side remains fixed.
* In the second part, participants would drag three dots (e.g., self, friend, stranger) on the same line to represent the relative distances between identities.

Does anyone know how this could be implemented in Inquisit?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Dave — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:03:23 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 6/23/2026[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]Wasabi8888 - 6/23/2026[/b]
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the clarification. I see the difference now.
In that case, would you mind providing a simple example of how to update the label position after the dot has been dropped?

Many thanks

[/quote]

There ae no labels in your code.
[/quote]

[code]<defaults>
/ canvasAspectRatio = (4,3)
/ canvassize = (100%, 100%)
/ canvasposition = (50%,50%)
</defaults>

<script>
// function to calculate the euclidean distance between two points
function calculateDistance(x1, y1, x2, y2) {
let deltaX = x2 - x1;
let deltaY = y2 - y1;
return Math.sqrt(deltaX ** 2 + deltaY ** 2)
}
</script>

<values>
/ dotFriendPositioned = false
/ dotSelfPositioned = false
/ dotStrangerPositioned = false

/ distanceSelfFriend = "n/a"
/ distanceSelfStranger = "n/a"
/ distanceFriendStranger = "n/a"
</values>

<expt perceived_distance>
/ blocks = [
1 = cIOS_Friend_Self;
//2 = cIOS_Self_Friend_Stranger;
]
</expt>

###################################################################################################################

<block cIOS_Friend_Self>
/ trials = [1=start_ios_friend_self]
</block>

<text selfLabel>
/ items = ("self")
/ erase = false
/ txBGColor = transparent
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 4%)
</text>

<trial start_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
shape.dotFriend1.hPosition = 10%;
shape.dotFriend1.vPosition = 60% ;
shape.dotSelf1.hPosition = 90%;
shape.dotSelf1.vPosition = 60%;
     text.selfLabel.hPosition = shape.dotSelf1.xPct;
     text.selfLabel.vPosition = shape.dotSelf1.yPct - 5;
// dots have not been positioned yet
values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
// reset distances from previous round
values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
values.distanceFriendStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, selfLabel]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
return trial.position_ios_friend_self
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

<text instructions_ios_friend_self>//edit instructions here
/ items = ("Now we’ll ask you to move the circles in the same way to describe the relationship between Friend and You.<br><br>
")
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 2.5%, false, false, false, false, 5, 1)
/ position = (50%, 20%)
</text>

//
<trial position_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
if (!values.dotSelfPositioned) {
button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
} else {
button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
}
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
// if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf1") {
values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
    text.selfLabel.hPosition = shape.dotSelf1.xPct;
    text.selfLabel.vPosition = shape.dotSelf1.yPct - 5;
};
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend1, dotSelf1, doneButton, debug, instructions_ios_friend_self, selfLabel]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotSelfPositioned) {
return trial.end_ios_friend_self // go to the end trial
} else {
return trial.position_ios_friend_self // otherwise keep positioning
}
}
</trial>

<trial end_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// calculate distance between the placed dots
values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf1.xPx, shape.dotSelf1.yPx, shape.dotFriend1.xPx, shape.dotFriend1.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend1, dotSelf1, debug, instructions_ios_friend_self, selfLabel]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape dotFriend1>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
</shape>

<shape dotSelf1>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
</shape>

###################################################################################################################

<block cIOS_Self_Friend_Stranger>
/ trials = [1=startThreeDots]
</block>

<trial startThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
shape.dotFriend.hPosition = 60%;
shape.dotFriend.vPosition = 40% ;
shape.dotSelf.hPosition = 50%;
shape.dotSelf.vPosition = 40%;
shape.dotStranger.hPosition = 40%;
shape.dotStranger.vPosition = 40%;
// dots have not been positioned yet
values.dotFriendPositioned = false;
values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
values.dotStrangerPositioned = false;
// reset distances from previous round
values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
values.distanceFriendStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
return trial.positionThreeDots
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

//
<trial positionThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
if (!values.dotFriendPositioned || !values.dotSelfPositioned || !values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
} else {
button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
}
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
// if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotFriend") {
values.dotFriendPositioned = true;
};
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf") {
values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
};
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotStranger") {
values.dotStrangerPositioned = true;
};
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, doneButton, debug]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotFriendPositioned && values.dotSelfPositioned && values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
return trial.endThreeDots // go to the end trial
} else {
return trial.positionThreeDots // otherwise keep positioning
}
}
</trial>

<trial endThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// calculate distance between the placed dots
values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx));
values.distanceSelfStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
values.distanceFriendStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, debug]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape line>
/ shape = rectangle
/ size = (90%, 0.5%)
/ color = black
/ erase = false
/ dropTarget = true
/ hPosition = 50%
/ vPosition = 60%
/ dropPosition = (anywhere, shape.line.vPosition)
</shape>

<shape dotStranger>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = red
/ erase = false
/ hPosition =
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (40%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotFriend>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (60%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotSelf>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (50%, 40%)
</shape>

<button doneButton>
/ caption = "Done"
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 4%, true)
/ erase = false
/ size = (25%, 10%)
/ position = (50%, 90%)
</button>

<text debug>
/ items = ("
Self Positioned = <%values.dotSelfPositioned%>
Friend Positioned = <%values.dotFriendPositioned%>
Stranger Positioned = <%values.dotStrangerPositioned%>

Distance Self - Friend = <%values.distanceSelfFriend%>
Distance Self - Stranger = <%values.distanceSelfStranger%>
Distance Friend - Stranger = <%values.distanceFriendStranger%>")
/ erase = false
/ position = (50%,10%)
</text>[/code]

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Dave — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:50:04 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Wasabi8888 - 6/23/2026[/b]
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the clarification. I see the difference now.
In that case, would you mind providing a simple example of how to update the label position after the dot has been dropped?

Many thanks

[/quote]

There ae no labels in your code.

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Wasabi8888 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:45:52 GMT

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the clarification. I see the difference now.
In that case, would you mind providing a simple example of how to update the label position after the dot has been dropped?

Many thanks

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Wasabi8888 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:48:16 GMT

Hi Dave,

I noticed that in the Continuous Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) script, the labels move together with the circles when they are dragged. I’m not quite sure how this is implemented. Is it possible to use the same approach for the dots in the current task?

Thanks

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Dave — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:10:59 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Wasabi8888 - 6/23/2026[/b]
Hi Dave,

I would like the corresponding labels to be displayed above each dot: “self”, “<%values.FriendName%> friend”, and “<%values.StrangerName%> stranger”. Is it possible for the labels to move together with the dots when participants drag them?

Here is my current code:
[code]<defaults>
/ canvasAspectRatio = (4,3)
/ canvassize = (100%, 100%)
/ canvasposition = (50%,50%)
</defaults>

<script>
// function to calculate the euclidean distance between two points
function calculateDistance(x1, y1, x2, y2) {
let deltaX = x2 - x1;
let deltaY = y2 - y1;
return Math.sqrt(deltaX ** 2 + deltaY ** 2)
}
</script>

<values>
/ dotFriendPositioned = false
/ dotSelfPositioned = false
/ dotStrangerPositioned = false

/ distanceSelfFriend = "n/a"
/ distanceSelfStranger = "n/a"
/ distanceFriendStranger = "n/a"
</values>

<expt perceived_distance>
/ blocks = [
1 = cIOS_Friend_Self;
    2 = cIOS_Self_Friend_Stranger;
]
</expt>

###################################################################################################################

<block cIOS_Friend_Self>
/ trials = [1=start_ios_friend_self]
</block>

<trial start_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
shape.dotFriend1.hPosition = 10%;
shape.dotFriend1.vPosition = 60% ;
shape.dotSelf1.hPosition = 90%;
shape.dotSelf1.vPosition = 60%;
// dots have not been positioned yet
values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
// reset distances from previous round
values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
     values.distanceFriendStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
return trial.position_ios_friend_self
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

<text instructions_ios_friend_self>//edit instructions here
/ items = ("Now we’ll ask you to move the circles in the same way to describe the relationship between Friend and You.<br><br>
")
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 2.5%, false, false, false, false, 5, 1)
/ position = (50%, 20%)
</text>

//
<trial position_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
if (!values.dotSelfPositioned) {
button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
} else {
button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
}
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
// if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf1") {
values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
};
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend1, dotSelf1, doneButton, debug, instructions_ios_friend_self]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotSelfPositioned) {
return trial.end_ios_friend_self // go to the end trial
} else {
return trial.position_ios_friend_self // otherwise keep positioning
}
}
</trial>

<trial end_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// calculate distance between the placed dots
values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf1.xPx, shape.dotSelf1.yPx, shape.dotFriend1.xPx, shape.dotFriend1.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend1, dotSelf1, debug, instructions_ios_friend_self]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape dotFriend1>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
</shape>

<shape dotSelf1>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
</shape>

###################################################################################################################

<block cIOS_Self_Friend_Stranger>
/ trials = [1=startThreeDots]
</block>

<trial startThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
shape.dotFriend.hPosition = 60%;
shape.dotFriend.vPosition = 40% ;
shape.dotSelf.hPosition = 50%;
shape.dotSelf.vPosition = 40%;
shape.dotStranger.hPosition = 40%;
shape.dotStranger.vPosition = 40%;
// dots have not been positioned yet
values.dotFriendPositioned = false;
values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
values.dotStrangerPositioned = false;
// reset distances from previous round
values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
     values.distanceFriendStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
return trial.positionThreeDots
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

//
<trial positionThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
if (!values.dotFriendPositioned || !values.dotSelfPositioned || !values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
} else {
button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
}
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
// if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotFriend") {
values.dotFriendPositioned = true;
};
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf") {
values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
};
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotStranger") {
values.dotStrangerPositioned = true;
};
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, doneButton, debug]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotFriendPositioned && values.dotSelfPositioned && values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
return trial.endThreeDots // go to the end trial
} else {
return trial.positionThreeDots // otherwise keep positioning
}
}
</trial>

<trial endThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// calculate distance between the placed dots
values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx));
values.distanceSelfStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
    values.distanceFriendStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, debug]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape line>
/ shape = rectangle
/ size = (90%, 0.5%)
/ color = black
/ erase = false
/ dropTarget = true
/ hPosition = 50%
/ vPosition = 60%
/ dropPosition = (anywhere, shape.line.vPosition)
</shape>

<shape dotStranger>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = red
/ erase = false
/ hPosition =
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (40%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotFriend>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (60%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotSelf>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (50%, 40%)
</shape>

<button doneButton>
/ caption = "Done"
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 4%, true)
/ erase = false
/ size = (25%, 10%)
/ position = (50%, 90%)
</button>

<text debug>
/ items = ("
Self Positioned = <%values.dotSelfPositioned%>
Friend Positioned = <%values.dotFriendPositioned%>
Stranger Positioned = <%values.dotStrangerPositioned%>

Distance Self - Friend = <%values.distanceSelfFriend%>
Distance Self - Stranger = <%values.distanceSelfStranger%>
Distance Friend - Stranger = <%values.distanceFriendStranger%>")
/ erase = false
/ position = (50%,10%)
</text>[/code]

Thanks
[/quote]

> Is it possible for the labels to move together with the dots when participants drag them?

No.

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Wasabi8888 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:06:33 GMT

Hi Dave,

I would like the corresponding labels to be displayed above each dot: “self”, “<%values.FriendName%> friend”, and “<%values.StrangerName%> stranger”. Is it possible for the labels to move together with the dots when participants drag them?

Here is my current code:
[code]<defaults>
/ canvasAspectRatio = (4,3)
/ canvassize = (100%, 100%)
/ canvasposition = (50%,50%)
</defaults>

<script>
// function to calculate the euclidean distance between two points
function calculateDistance(x1, y1, x2, y2) {
let deltaX = x2 - x1;
let deltaY = y2 - y1;
return Math.sqrt(deltaX ** 2 + deltaY ** 2)
}
</script>

<values>
/ dotFriendPositioned = false
/ dotSelfPositioned = false
/ dotStrangerPositioned = false

/ distanceSelfFriend = "n/a"
/ distanceSelfStranger = "n/a"
/ distanceFriendStranger = "n/a"
</values>

<expt perceived_distance>
/ blocks = [
1 = cIOS_Friend_Self;
    2 = cIOS_Self_Friend_Stranger;
]
</expt>

###################################################################################################################

<block cIOS_Friend_Self>
/ trials = [1=start_ios_friend_self]
</block>

<trial start_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
shape.dotFriend1.hPosition = 10%;
shape.dotFriend1.vPosition = 60% ;
shape.dotSelf1.hPosition = 90%;
shape.dotSelf1.vPosition = 60%;
// dots have not been positioned yet
values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
// reset distances from previous round
values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
     values.distanceFriendStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
return trial.position_ios_friend_self
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

<text instructions_ios_friend_self>//edit instructions here
/ items = ("Now we’ll ask you to move the circles in the same way to describe the relationship between Friend and You.<br><br>
")
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 2.5%, false, false, false, false, 5, 1)
/ position = (50%, 20%)
</text>

//
<trial position_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
if (!values.dotSelfPositioned) {
button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
} else {
button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
}
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
// if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf1") {
values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
};
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend1, dotSelf1, doneButton, debug, instructions_ios_friend_self]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotSelfPositioned) {
return trial.end_ios_friend_self // go to the end trial
} else {
return trial.position_ios_friend_self // otherwise keep positioning
}
}
</trial>

<trial end_ios_friend_self>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// calculate distance between the placed dots
values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf1.xPx, shape.dotSelf1.yPx, shape.dotFriend1.xPx, shape.dotFriend1.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend1, dotSelf1, debug, instructions_ios_friend_self]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape dotFriend1>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
</shape>

<shape dotSelf1>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
</shape>

###################################################################################################################

<block cIOS_Self_Friend_Stranger>
/ trials = [1=startThreeDots]
</block>

<trial startThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
shape.dotFriend.hPosition = 60%;
shape.dotFriend.vPosition = 40% ;
shape.dotSelf.hPosition = 50%;
shape.dotSelf.vPosition = 40%;
shape.dotStranger.hPosition = 40%;
shape.dotStranger.vPosition = 40%;
// dots have not been positioned yet
values.dotFriendPositioned = false;
values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
values.dotStrangerPositioned = false;
// reset distances from previous round
values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
     values.distanceFriendStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
return trial.positionThreeDots
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

//
<trial positionThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
if (!values.dotFriendPositioned || !values.dotSelfPositioned || !values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
} else {
button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
}
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
// if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotFriend") {
values.dotFriendPositioned = true;
};
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf") {
values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
};
if (this.lastDropSource == "dotStranger") {
values.dotStrangerPositioned = true;
};
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, doneButton, debug]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotFriendPositioned && values.dotSelfPositioned && values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
return trial.endThreeDots // go to the end trial
} else {
return trial.positionThreeDots // otherwise keep positioning
}
}
</trial>

<trial endThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// calculate distance between the placed dots
values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx));
values.distanceSelfStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
    values.distanceFriendStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, debug]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape line>
/ shape = rectangle
/ size = (90%, 0.5%)
/ color = black
/ erase = false
/ dropTarget = true
/ hPosition = 50%
/ vPosition = 60%
/ dropPosition = (anywhere, shape.line.vPosition)
</shape>

<shape dotStranger>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = red
/ erase = false
/ hPosition =
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (40%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotFriend>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (60%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotSelf>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.005*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (50%, 40%)
</shape>

<button doneButton>
/ caption = "Done"
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 4%, true)
/ erase = false
/ size = (25%, 10%)
/ position = (50%, 90%)
</button>

<text debug>
/ items = ("
Self Positioned = <%values.dotSelfPositioned%>
Friend Positioned = <%values.dotFriendPositioned%>
Stranger Positioned = <%values.dotStrangerPositioned%>

Distance Self - Friend = <%values.distanceSelfFriend%>
Distance Self - Stranger = <%values.distanceSelfStranger%>
Distance Friend - Stranger = <%values.distanceFriendStranger%>")
/ erase = false
/ position = (50%,10%)
</text>[/code]

Thanks

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Dave — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:12:01 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Dave - 5/6/2026[/b]
+x[quote]

[b]Wasabi8888 - 5/5/2026[/b]
Hi,

I adapted the Continuous Inclusion of Other in the Self (Continuous IOS) script from the Inquisit test library. However, instead of measuring circle overlap, I would like to measure perceived social distance using draggable dots on a continuous line scale (similar to a slider).

Specifically:
* In the first part, participants would drag a dot on the right side (representing one identity) along a line to indicate the perceived distance between two identities (measured in millimetres or pixels), while the dot on the left side remains fixed.
* In the second part, participants would drag three dots (e.g., self, friend, stranger) on the same line to represent the relative distances between identities.

Does anyone know how this could be implemented in Inquisit?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
[/quote]

There are plenty of drag and drop examples available in the library as well as in this forum, and measuring distance is trivial and has also been discussed here many times (e.g. https://forums.millisecond.com/Topic22122.aspx , https://forums.millisecond.com/Topic33516.aspx, https://forums.millisecond.com/Topic32322.aspx ).

So, what part are you struggling with concretely? Maybe start with working up a small demo for part 1 ("In the first part, participants would drag a dot on the right side (representing one identity) along a line to indicate the perceived distance between two identities (measured in millimetres or pixels), while the dot on the left side remains fixed.") and once you have that running, expand from there.
[/quote]

A simple example: Place three dots anywhere on the line, calculate the distances when done.

[code]<defaults>
/ canvasAspectRatio = (4,3)
</defaults>

<script>
// function to calculate the euclidean distance between two points
function calculateDistance(x1, y1, x2, y2) {
    let deltaX = x2 - x1;
    let deltaY = y2 - y1;
    return Math.sqrt(deltaX ** 2 + deltaY ** 2)
}
</script>

<values>
/ dotFriendPositioned = false
/ dotSelfPositioned = false
/ dotStrangerPositioned = false

/ distanceSelfFriend = "n/a"
/ distanceSelfStranger = "n/a"
</values>

<block myBlock>
/ trials = [1=startThreeDots]
</block>

<trial startThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// reset dots to their starting positions
     shape.dotFriend.hPosition = 60%;
     shape.dotFriend.vPosition = 40% ;
     shape.dotSelf.hPosition = 50%;
     shape.dotSelf.vPosition = 40%;
     shape.dotStranger.hPosition = 40%;
     shape.dotStranger.vPosition = 40%;
     // dots have not been positioned yet
     values.dotFriendPositioned = false;
     values.dotSelfPositioned = false;
     values.dotStrangerPositioned = false;
     // reset distances from previous round
     values.distanceSelfFriend = "n/a";
     values.distanceSelfStranger = "n/a";
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen]
/ trialDuration = 0
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (noResponse)
/ branch = {
    return trial.positionThreeDots
}
/ recordData = false
</trial>

//
<trial positionThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
// if any of the dots hasn't been positioned yet
    if (!values.dotFriendPositioned || !values.dotSelfPositioned || !values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
        button.doneButton.skip = true; // don't show the done button
    } else {
        button.doneButton.skip = false; // otherwise show it
    }
}
/ onTrialEnd = {
    // if a given dot has been positioned, set its position flag to true
    if (this.lastDropSource == "dotFriend") {
        values.dotFriendPositioned = true;
    };
    if (this.lastDropSource == "dotSelf") {
    values.dotSelfPositioned = true;
    };
    if (this.lastDropSource == "dotStranger") {
        values.dotStrangerPositioned = true;
    };
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, doneButton, debug]
/ inputDevice = dragDrop
/ validResponse = (line, doneButton)
/ recordData = false
/ branch = {
// if participants says they're done positioning
    if (this.response == "doneButton" && values.dotFriendPositioned && values.dotSelfPositioned && values.dotStrangerPositioned) {
        return trial.endThreeDots // go to the end trial
    } else {
        return trial.positionThreeDots // otherwise keep positioning
    }
}
</trial>

<trial endThreeDots>
/ onTrialBegin = {
    // calculate distance between the placed dots
    values.distanceSelfFriend = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotFriend.xPx, shape.dotFriend.yPx));
    values.distanceSelfStranger = display.getMMX(calculateDistance(shape.dotSelf.xPx, shape.dotSelf.yPx, shape.dotStranger.xPx, shape.dotStranger.yPx));
}
/ stimulusFrames = [1=clearScreen, line, dotFriend, dotSelf, dotStranger, debug]
/ inputDevice = mouse
/ validResponse = (lButtonDown)
</trial>

<shape line>
/ shape = rectangle
/ size = (90%, 2%)
/ color = black
/ erase = false
/ dropTarget = true
/ hPosition = 50%
/ vPosition = 60%
/ dropPosition = (anywhere, shape.line.vPosition)
</shape>

<shape dotStranger>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.01*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.01*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = red
/ erase = false
/ hPosition =
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (40%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotFriend>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.01*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.01*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = green
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (60%, 40%)
</shape>

<shape dotSelf>
/ shape = circle
/ size = (display.getPixelsY(0.01*display.canvasHeight), display.getPixelsY(0.01*display.canvasHeight))
/ color = blue
/ erase = false
/ dropSource = true
/ position = (50%, 40%)
</shape>

<button doneButton>
/ caption = "Done"
/ fontStyle = ("Arial", 4%, true)
/ erase = false
/ size = (25%, 10%)
/ position = (50%, 90%)
</button>

<text debug>
/ items = ("
Self Positioned = <%values.dotSelfPositioned%>
Friend Positioned = <%values.dotFriendPositioned%>
Stranger Positioned = <%values.dotStrangerPositioned%>

Distance Self - Friend = <%values.distanceSelfFriend%>
Distance Self - Stranger = <%values.distanceSelfStranger%>")
/ erase = false
/ position = (50%,10%)
</text>
[/code]

RE: Modifying Continuous IOS in Inquisit: draggable dots instead of circle overlap

Dave — Wed, 06 May 2026 01:22:57 GMT

+x[quote]

[b]Wasabi8888 - 5/5/2026[/b]
Hi,

I adapted the Continuous Inclusion of Other in the Self (Continuous IOS) script from the Inquisit test library. However, instead of measuring circle overlap, I would like to measure perceived social distance using draggable dots on a continuous line scale (similar to a slider).

Specifically:
* In the first part, participants would drag a dot on the right side (representing one identity) along a line to indicate the perceived distance between two identities (measured in millimetres or pixels), while the dot on the left side remains fixed.
* In the second part, participants would drag three dots (e.g., self, friend, stranger) on the same line to represent the relative distances between identities.

Does anyone know how this could be implemented in Inquisit?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
[/quote]

There are plenty of drag and drop examples available in the library as well as in this forum, and measuring distance is trivial and has also been discussed here many times (e.g. https://forums.millisecond.com/Topic22122.aspx , https://forums.millisecond.com/Topic33516.aspx, https://forums.millisecond.com/Topic32322.aspx ).

So, what part are you struggling with concretely? Maybe start with working up a small demo for part 1 ("In the first part, participants would drag a dot on the right side (representing one identity) along a line to indicate the perceived distance between two identities (measured in millimetres or pixels), while the dot on the left side remains fixed.") and once you have that running, expand from there.