In this paper we introduce mobileQ, which is a free, open-source software that our lab has developed to use in experience sampling studies. Experience studies have several strengths and are becoming more widely conducted, but there few free options. To address gap, mobileQ freely available servers, web interface, an Android app. reduce the barrier entry, it requires no high-level programming, uses easy point-and-click interface. It designed be used on dedicated research phones, allowing for...

Abstract Crowding is the interference by surrounding objects (flankers) with target perception. Low target-flanker similarity usually yields weaker crowding than high (‘similarity rule’) less interference, e.g., opposite- same-contrast polarity flankers. The advantage of low has typically been shown attentional selection a single object. Here, we investigated validity rule when broadening attention to multiple objects. In three experiments, measured identification for crowded letters...

Crowding occurs when surrounding objects (flankers) impair target perception. A key property of crowding is the weaker interference and flankers strongly differ on a given dimension. For instance, identification letter usually superior with opposite versus same contrast polarity as (the "polarity advantage"). High performance target-flanker similarity low has been attributed to ungrouping flankers. Here, we show that configural cues can override usual advantage similarity, strong grouping...

Lay wisdom suggests feeling negative while awaiting an upcoming stressor-anticipatory affect-shields against the blow of subsequent stressor. However, evidence is mixed, with different lines research and theory indirectly suggesting that anticipatory affect helpful, harmful, or has no effect on emotional outcomes. In two studies, we aimed to reconcile these competing views by examining affective trajectory across hours, days, months, separating reactivity recovery.In Study 1, first-year...

A target letter is usually more difficult to identify when flanked by other letters. This phenomenon, known as crowding, strongly depends on the similarity of and flankers: reducing target-flanker normally benefits identification ('uncrowding'). For example, reporting central a trigram, performance superior trigram alternates in contrast polarity (e.g., black, white, black) compared with uniform letters white). Here, we show that alternating detrimental all trigram. Stimuli consisted...

Lay wisdom suggests feeling negative while awaiting an upcoming stressor – anticipatory affect shields against the blow of subsequent stressor. However, evidence is mixed, with different lines research and theory indirectly suggesting that helpful, harmful, or has no effect on emotional outcomes. In two studies, we aimed to reconcile these competing views by examining affective trajectory across hours, days, months, separating reactivity recovery. Study 1, first-year students (N=101)...

In visual crowding, nearby objects (flankers) impair target perception. Focused spatial attention to the location has been shown reduce crowding. However, how attentional allocation within a group of close-by modulates crowding is largely unknown. Here, with probability as cue, we varied investigate object-based affected Observers reported either inward, central, or outward letter trigram, indicated by pre-cue (Experiment 1) post-cue 2). Probabilities which position report were 100, 80, 50,...