Built on jsPsych

AssessKit vs jsPsych

AssessKit is built on top of jsPsych. You get the same millisecond-precise timing, but with a visual builder instead of writing JavaScript code.

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Not a Replacement — An Enhancement

AssessKit doesn't compete with jsPsych — it's built on it. We love jsPsych and use it as our runtime engine. AssessKit adds a visual interface, hosting, data storage, and collaboration features on top of the jsPsych foundation you trust.

Quick Summary

AssessKit

jsPsych + Visual Builder + Hosting

  • No-code building - visual drag-and-drop
  • Instant deployment - hosting included
  • Built-in data storage - no database setup
  • Same timing precision - it's jsPsych underneath
  • Code access when needed - not locked in

Best for: Researchers who want jsPsych power without the coding overhead.

jsPsych (direct)

Pure JavaScript library

  • Complete control - code everything yourself
  • 100% open source - MIT license
  • Active community - great documentation
  • Requires JavaScript - coding knowledge needed
  • DIY hosting - set up your own server

Best for: Developers comfortable with JavaScript who want full control.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Getting Started

FeatureAssessKitjsPsych
No coding required
Visual experiment builder
Works in browser (no setup)
jsPsych requires local dev environment
Pre-built task templates
jsPsych has examples but requires coding
Learning curve
AssessKit: minutes. jsPsych: days/weeks.
Low
High

Flexibility & Power

FeatureAssessKitjsPsych
Full JavaScript access
AssessKit allows custom code when needed
Custom plugins
Any experiment possible
Export to jsPsych code
N/A
Open source

Timing & Precision

FeatureAssessKitjsPsych
Millisecond timing
requestAnimationFrame
Consistent across browsers
Research-grade accuracy

Hosting & Deployment

FeatureAssessKitjsPsych
Built-in hosting
jsPsych requires separate hosting
Data storage included
jsPsych needs database setup
One-click deploy
HTTPS by default
Self-hosting option

Collaboration

FeatureAssessKitjsPsych
Team workspaces
Real-time collaboration
Version control
jsPsych: use Git manually
Share experiments easily

Data Management

FeatureAssessKitjsPsych
Automatic data collection
Data dashboard
Export to CSV/JSON
Participant management

Building a Stroop Task

With AssessKit

  1. 1Click "New Experiment"
  2. 2Select "Stroop Task" template
  3. 3Customize colors and timing in the UI
  4. 4Click "Deploy"

Time: ~5 minutes

With jsPsych (direct)

  1. 1Set up development environment
  2. 2Install jsPsych and plugins
  3. 3Write JavaScript code for trials, timeline
  4. 4Set up web server and database
  5. 5Configure hosting and HTTPS
  6. 6Deploy and test

Time: Hours to days (depending on experience)

Which Should You Use?

Use AssessKit if you...

  • Want to build experiments without writing code
  • Need hosting and data storage included
  • Want to collaborate with team members
  • Are new to online experiments
  • Value speed over maximum customization

Use jsPsych directly if you...

  • Are comfortable writing JavaScript
  • Need 100% custom experiment logic
  • Have your own hosting infrastructure
  • Want to contribute to jsPsych development
  • Require offline-only local experiments

We Love jsPsych

jsPsych is an incredible open-source project that has transformed online behavioral research. AssessKit is built on jsPsych because we believe it's the best foundation for precise timing and flexible experiment design. We're grateful to Josh de Leeuw and the jsPsych community.

Visit jsPsych.org

jsPsych Power, No Code Required

Build experiments visually with AssessKit's jsPsych-powered platform. Free to start, no credit card required.

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