Computer Measurement of the Autokinetic Effect

Abstract

Previous methods for measurement of the autokinetic effect have several drawbacks, including limited accuracy and limited information. A new computer technique for measurement of the autokinetic effect is presented. A computer and computer mouse record tracing movements every tenth of a second, yielding a permanent record that can be analyzed further. The method is flexible, sensitive, and stable, as shown by test-retest correlations using 26 subjects. Correlations and medians for latency, total distance traveled, number of stops, straight line distance from origin to end-point, maximum speed, maximum acceleration, percent of time in motion, and speed and percent of motion in each of eight compass directions were computed. The results are similar to previously reported values.