Construct an Item File for DMDX

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1. Basic elements of an item file illustrated in a simple item file:

2. Practice

Use WordPad (Start -- Program Files -- Accessories -- WordPad) to write an item file for a lexical decision experiment. The experiment begins with 4 practice items (2 words, 2 nonwords), which are followed by 12 test items (6 words, 6 nonwords). Each item begins with a fixation point * presented at the center of the monitor. The fixation point stays for 500 ms. It is then replaced immediately by the target, which remains for 1000 ms. The test items should be randomized. Instructions should be provided at the beginning of the experiment and a reminder should be included between the practice items and the test items. Participants respond by pressing Right Shift for YES and Left Shift for NO. End the experiment with "End of Experiment. Thank you for participating." Participants response times and error rates should be recorded.

Save the item file in rich text format in a folder and remember the folder name.

Start DMDX and do a Syntax Check on the item file to see if there is any error. Correct any error in the file. Once it is error free, test yourself first. Check if you can find an .azk file in the folder where you saved the item file after you finish testing yourself. Once you confirm you have the raw data saved in the .azk file, test another person. Then check if there are two sets of data in the .azk file. Save the item file and data file on a floppy diskette or mail them to yourself as attachments for use next week.