Experimental RunTime System: Software for developing and running reaction time experiments on IBM-compatible PCs
- Resource Type
- Review Paper
- Authors
- Dutta, Addie
- Source
- Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers. December 1995 27(4):516-519
- Subject
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0743-3808
1532-5970
The Experimental RunTime System (ERTS) is a recent addition to the small collection of commercial software packages available for writing and running reaction time experiments on IBM-compatible PCs. Experiments are written using any text editor and a relatively small set of ERTS commands. Millisecond timing is provided by a software timer with no additional hardware requirements. All displays are in high-resolution VGA graphics. The Creative Labs Soundblaster card is supported in 16-bit mode, but is not required for simple tone generation. Voice-key support is available via the Soundblaster card. Keyboard, mouse, and external keys may be used as reaction keys, and the mouse or a joystick may be used as a tracking device. The stimulus-centered design and powerful display control commands of ERTS make it appropriate for developing a wide range of trial-based experiments.