VPD Community Research Spaces

There are two computer labs in VPD (LL103 and LL107). Each computer lab is equipped with all-in-one workstations (depending on the lab, between 12 and 24 computers) loaded with a standard software package containing a web browser, Microsoft Office, and software for experimental programing and data collection. Examples of software include:

• Qualtrics, an online survey software that helps you to build experiments in a user-friendly platform. See this link, for a short (and very helpful) tutorial on how to get started.
• Matlab, a flexible programing language with an interactive platform. It lets you explore and visualize ideas and collaborate across disciplines including signal and image processing, communications, control systems, and computational finance. You can download the training manual here.
• DirectRT, a user-friendly program that helps you create reaction time tasks. You can present sound, video, images and text and record RTs, and other kinds of responses with precision. You can find the online users guide here.

Interview Spaces

There are two interview spaces in VPD (LL105 and LL106). The interview spaces consist of 4-5 smaller rooms that each can seat about 5 people. These rooms are equipped with a state of the art surveillance system that allows researchers to observe and record both video and audio. The interview spaces are adjacent to each other and can be booked together to form a combined suite.

Sprujit-Metz Observation Lab

This lab is equipped with cameras that project to an adjacent room, where up to four observers can comfortably watch the session, both live as well as on computer and video monitors. The observation room is equipped with a computer, phone, desk, and chairs. It is configured for observing the laboratory for individual sessions as well as for interviews, focus group sessions, or researcher-child interactions

Features:

• High-quality recording of the sessions is guaranteed by professional audio and video equipment, including ceiling mounted dome cameras. All cameras can be controlled remotely from the observation room so you can zoom in on a topic of interest
• High-resolution digital screen capture.
• Select different recording methods: split screen, picture-in-picture, picture-by-picture, or multiple videos.
• Study data from multiple sources including physiological data, user-system interaction, facial expressions, etc. The test/observation leader can communicate with the test participant(s) via microphones and speakers. The Noldus Observation software is used for the recording, collection, and collection and analysis of observational data.

Booking

If you are interested in scheduling time in the Computer Labs or Interview Rooms or making an appointment to view and discuss the facilities, please complete the form located here, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly. If you have a quick question about the facilities or would like to setup a time to view the facilities before you put in a scheduling request, please email the Lab Manager, Amabel Jeon at youngbin@usc.edu.

If you are interested in using the Sprujit-Metz Observation Lab, please contact Luz Antunez-Castillo of the Mhealth Collaboratory here.