Understanding jsPsych: The Engine Behind AssessKit

jsPsych is the powerful open-source JavaScript framework that powers AssessKit's experiment runtime. Understanding jsPsych helps you make the most of AssessKit's capabilities.

What is jsPsych?

jsPsych is a JavaScript library for creating behavioral experiments that run in web browsers. It provides a structured way to define experiment timelines, present stimuli, collect responses, and save data.

Timeline Structure

In jsPsych, experiments are built as timelines - sequences of trials that run one after another. AssessKit's node builder generates these timelines automatically based on your visual design.

Plugins

jsPsych uses plugins for different trial types. There are plugins for images, videos, surveys, reaction time tasks, and more. Each AssessKit task node corresponds to a specific jsPsych plugin configured with your parameters.

Data Collection

jsPsych automatically collects timing data, responses, and trial information. AssessKit extends this with additional metadata about your experiment structure and participant flow.

Advanced Features

jsPsych supports conditional branching, nested timelines, looping, and randomization. AssessKit exposes these features through visual nodes, making complex experimental designs accessible without coding.

Custom Code

For advanced users, AssessKit allows you to insert custom jsPsych code. This gives you full flexibility when you need features beyond the visual builder.

Learn More

The jsPsych documentation is excellent and worth exploring. Understanding jsPsych concepts will help you design better experiments in AssessKit.