Explicit perception task for rhythmic patterns: a PsychoPy fMRI experiment for subjective complexity ratings
Year: 2026
Type: software
Abstract: This software provides two versions of a PsychoPy task for collecting subjective complexity ratings of auditory rhythmic patterns: an outside-scanner version and an MRI version. The outside-scanner version presents 56 rhythms in randomized order, with each four-second pattern repeated three times. Participants rate each rhythm on a seven-point scale during a four-second response period. The task includes two guided practice trials, and scale orientation is balanced within each block of eight trials. The MRI version uses prerecorded rhythm stimuli and participant-specific schedules, with three runs of 48 trials. It incorporates scanner-triggered run starts, rating periods on selected trials, and variable rest periods on trials without a rating. Both versions record stimulus identifiers, timing information, ratings, and scale orientation. The accompanying README describes the required files, setup, procedures, timing implementation, output formats, and differences between the two versions.
Authors: Boender, Roos, de Boer, Joris, Bouwer, Fleur
Institution: Leiden University
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225074121