Abstract
Standardization and automation are propellants of efficiency and reproducibility in science. Open-source stimuli delivery platforms, such as PsychoPy or Psychtoolbox-3, promote reproducibility of experiments by providing a common platform for sharing of stimuli presentation scripts for published studies. However, the reuse of such scripts can be complicated and is not always feasible, e.g., when old code is no longer compatible with new software versions. Moreover, having a script does not provide readily available audio/visual data for use, e.g. in low level modeling of brain responses or extraction of auxiliary characteristics of the stimuli. ReproStim is a video capture and recording suite for neuroimaging, psychological, and visual science experiments. Its goal is to provide a complete record of audio and visual stimulation for every data collection session by collecting high fidelity copies of the actual stimuli shown to each subject in the form of video files that can be stored alongside behavioral or neuroimaging data in standardized (BIDS) layout. ReproStim provides for enhanced experimental reproducibility and a safeguard against data loss in cases of data-collection irregularities. Because ReproStim provides an exact record of the actual stimuli delivered during an experimental session, it makes it possible to precisely reproduce it, even if the original trials were randomized and trial details not recorded. In cases of experimental irregularities, such as aborted fMRI runs, unexpected glitches in trial timing, or programming errors that cause loss of trial condition records, valuable data can be recovered using the audio-visual record provided by ReproStim. ReproStim requires minimal effort of investigators. Once it is setup within a behavioral lab or neuroimaging center, investigators can reap its benefits without any additional effort. When successfully set up, ReproStim runs in the background, silently collecting, cataloging, and storing all audio and visual stimulation delivered to experimental subjects.