Open AccessConducting Web-Based Experiments for Numerical Cognition Research
Author(s) -
Arnold Kochari
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cognition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2514-4820
DOI - 10.5334/joc.85
Subject(s) - cognition , replication (statistics) , data collection , computer science , sample size determination , numerical cognition , reliability (semiconductor) , web application , sample (material) , experimental data , data science , cognitive psychology , world wide web , psychology , statistics , mathematics , power (physics) , physics , chemistry , chromatography , quantum mechanics , neuroscience
It is becoming increasingly popular and straightforward to collect data in cognitive psychology through web-based studies. In this paper, I review issues around web-based data collection for the purpose of numerical cognition research. Provided that the desired type of data can be collected through a web-browser, such online studies offer numerous advantages over traditional forms of physical lab-based data collection, such as gathering data from larger sample sizes in shorter time-windows and easier access to non-local populations. I then present results of two replication studies that employ classical paradigms in numerical cognition research: the number-size congruity paradigm and comparison to a given standard, which also included a masked priming manipulation. In both replications, reaction times and error rates were comparable to original, physical lab-based studies. Consistent with the results of original studies, a distance effect, a congruity effect, and a priming effect were observed. Data collected online thus offers a level of reliability comparable to data collected in a physical lab when it comes to questions in numerical cognition.