FAQ: How can I implement different Data Sources in a between-groups design?

[SR-SUPPORT]

There are two primary methods for implementing a between-groups experiment, allowing you to present different sets of trials to different groups of participants.

Method 1: Use a "Splitting Column"
This method uses a single, master Data Source and filters it based on a value you select when the experiment begins.

• Create a Grouping Column: In your Data Source, add a column that will act as your grouping variable (e.g., name it "List" or "Condition"). For each trial (row), enter the group it belongs to (e.g., "A", "B", "1", "2").
  
• Enable the Splitting Column: In the Randomization Settings of the Data Source, enable the Splitting Column option and select the grouping column you just created.
  

The image below shows the Data Source columns from the Picture Response example from the Experiment Builder Video Tutorial Series:

   

When you run the experiment, a prompt will ask you to choose a group value (e.g., "A" or "B"). The experiment will then run only the trials that match the value you selected.

   

Method 2: Import Separate Data Set Files
This method allows you to load an entire set of trials from an external text file at the start of an experiment.

• Enable the Prompt: In the properties for your main TRIAL sequence, check the box for "Prompt for Data Set".
  
• Create External Files: Use a program like Microsoft Excel to create your lists of trials. Save each list as a separate tab-delimited text file (.txt).
  
• Run the Experiment: When you launch the project, a prompt will appear asking you to select which Data Set file to load for that session.
  

   

⚠️ Important: For this method to work, the main Data Source inside your Experiment Builder project must be structured correctly. It needs to contain all the necessary columns that are present in your external .txt files, acting as a "master" template for the data you intend to load.