Introduction to RQube

Randomization is a basic procedure in experimental design. Considered the importance of it, it is odd to say, that -- except for a few articles in parapsychological research -- the topic did not receive very much attention.

These two paradoxical conclusions in Gilmore (1989, p. 339) underline the fact, that it might be worth the effort to consider the reasons of randomization and the principles of the process. It is the purpose of RQube to provide several criteria to judge the quality of a random stimulus series. According to these criteria RQube generates as many series as you want. These may easily be implemented in your experiment control program.

Features

1. RQube is not constrained to a single purpose of randomization. It randomizes according to various experimental needs.
2. RQube is easy to use. It allows researchers to create stimulus sequences in an uncomplicated manner, to make sure, that the items in the sequence are well distributed, and to minimize predictability.
3. RQube is fast. It is possible to assign an individual trial sequence to every subject.
4. RQube output can easily be implemented in E-Prime and Presentation
5. RQube has four different high quality random number generators implemented for effective and reliable randomization
6. RQube provides output about the characteristics of the sequences. It is possible to introduce sequence characteristics as covariate/ continuous predictor into the ANOVA.
7. The authors provide an extensive documentation along with the program.

Screenshots

Start screen click to open magnified screenshot

Experimental design editor click to open magnified screenshot

Download

The current version is: 1.00.8.100; date: 2007-11-27 (download here)

We may give you a message, when we release new versions of RQube. Please fill in the form.

Introduction Video

The setup of RQube contains a short introduction video that may be accessed via the windows start menu. You also may start this video here. But you need the Macromedia Shockwave Player to play it.

Citing RQube

Seifert, J. & Britz. P. (2007). RQube (Version 1.00.8.100). Universität Trier; retrieved xx.xx.200x, from http://rqube.seifseit.de/

Further Information

• random.org: this site provides access to real random numbers. You will also find an essay that addresses the question, why a random number may considered to be true.
• Dominik Reichl developed a C++ class that provides access to the random numbers from random.org.
• An article about "Randomisation in clinical trials" by Elaine M. Beller, Val Gebski and Anthony C. Keech
• Another site about generating series of random numbers: Randomizer.org
• You may also find this paper interesting: Algorithms for randomness in the behavioral sciences: A tutorial.
• You may find a C++ port of the Mersenne Twister at Jasper Bedaux's web site.