SOS! An algorithm and software for the stochastic optimization of stimuli

Behavior Research Methods
Blair C ArmstrongDavid C Plaut

Abstract

The characteristics of the stimuli used in an experiment critically determine the theoretical questions the experiment can address. Yet there is relatively little methodological support for selecting optimal sets of items, and most researchers still carry out this process by hand. In this research, we present SOS, an algorithm and software package for the stochastic optimization of stimuli. SOS takes its inspiration from a simple manual stimulus selection heuristic that has been formalized and refined as a stochastic relaxation search. The algorithm rapidly and reliably selects a subset of possible stimuli that optimally satisfy the constraints imposed by an experimenter. This allows the experimenter to focus on selecting an optimization problem that suits his or her theoretical question and to avoid the tedious task of manually selecting stimuli. We detail how this optimization algorithm, combined with a vocabulary of constraints that define optimal sets, allows for the quick and rigorous assessment and maximization of the internal and external validity of experimental items. In doing so, the algorithm facilitates research using factorial, multiple/mixed-effects regression, and other experimental designs. We demonstrate the us...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 6, 2012·Behavior Research Methods·Blair C ArmstrongDavid C Plaut
Nov 19, 2014·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Geena R IanniAnjan Chatterjee
Nov 15, 2018·PloS One·Caitlin H McCurrieSimon M Laham
Dec 8, 2016·Behavior Research Methods·Frédéric RouxManuel Carreiras
Sep 19, 2018·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Garikoitz Lerma-UsabiagaPedro M Paz-Alonso
Dec 19, 2018·Frontiers in Psychology·Eileen R CardilloAnjan Chatterjee
Feb 9, 2017·Scientific Reports·Martijn BaartManuel Carreiras
May 22, 2021·Cognitive Science·Barend BeekhuizenSuzanne Stevenson
Jun 22, 2021·Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD·Nathaniel KloosterAnjan Chatterjee

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