Language of Geometry (LoT-geometry) - Task Version
This example reproduces the experimental task from the study “The language of geometry: Fast comprehension of geometrical primitives and rules in human adults and preschoolers” (Amalric et al., 2017).
1. Experimental Design
The experiment is organized into blocks, each featuring a spatial sequence of 16 locations on a regular octagon.
- Sequence Types:
- Repeat: Clockwise (CW) and Counter-clockwise (CCW).
- Alternate: Alternating steps (+2, -1).
- 2squares: Two nested squares.
- 2arcs: Two arcs mirrored by symmetry.
- 4segments: Four parallel segments (testing H, V, A, B symmetries).
- 4diagonals: Four diameters.
- 2rectangles / 2crosses: Complex hierarchical structures.
- Irregular: Random sequences with no geometric regularity.
- Randomization:
- The first two trials are always “Repeat” (randomized CW/CCW).
- Subsequent trials are presented in a randomized order.
- The starting point of each sequence is randomized.
2. Task Procedure
- Introduction: A sequence starts by flashing the first 2 locations.
- Guessing: The subject must click on the location where they think the next circle will appear.
- Feedback:
- Correct: The correctly guessed location flashes briefly, and the subject proceeds to guess the next location in the sequence.
- Incorrect: The sequence restarts from the beginning, flashing all locations up to the correct one where the mistake was made. The subject then proceeds to guess the next location in the sequence.
- Completion: Each sequence continues until all 16 locations have been revealed.
3. Data Collection
The program automatically saves results in the goxpy_data directory.
Logged variables include:
trial_idx: The position of the sequence in the experiment.seq_name: The type of sequence being tested.step: The ordinal position in the 16-item sequence.target_idx: The index (0-7) of the correct location.click_idx: The index (0-7) of the location clicked by the subject.is_correct: Boolean indicating if the guess was correct.rt: Reaction time in milliseconds from the start of the guessing phase to the mouse click.
4. How to Run
From the examples directory:
go run ./LoT-geometry/ -d -s [subject_id]
- -d: Developer mode (windowed display).
- -s: Subject ID (default is 1).
- ESC: Quit the experiment.
References
- Amalric, M., Wang, L., Pica, P., Figueira, S., Sigman, M., & Dehaene, S. (2017). The language of geometry: Fast comprehension of geometrical primitives and rules in human adults and preschoolers. PLoS Computational Biology, 13(1), e1005273.