MATLAB and graphical user interfaces: Tools for experimental management

MATLAB is a convenient platform for the development and management of psych ological experiments because of its easy-to-use programming language, sophi sticated graphics features, and statistics and optimization tools. Through implementation of the Brainard-Pelli Psychophysics Toolbox, the MATLAB user gains close temporal and spatial control over the CRT, while retaining the simplicity of an interpreted language conducive to rapid program developme nt. MATLAB's abilities can be further utilized through easily programmable graphical user interfaces (GUIs). We illustrate how a GUT can serve as a po werful and intuitive tool for organizing and controlling all aspects of a p sychological experiment, including design, data collection, data analysis, and theory fitting.