Gorilla is a popular web-based platform tailored for creating and running behavioral experiments online. It boasts a graphical 'experiment tree' builder, enabling researchers without coding experience to design complex experiments. From simple questionnaires to intricate behavioral tasks, Gorilla has become a staple for many researchers transitioning to online studies.
Cognition, while also a platform for hosting and running online experiments, offers a rich environment that's deeply integrated with the jsPsych JavaScript library. It enables both code-based experiment design for advanced users and also features user-friendly tools for those less inclined to script.
The decision between using a graphical builder like Gorilla's and scripting with jsPsych in Cognition often boils down to the specific needs and skill set of the researcher. Gorilla's builder offers a more immediate, drag-and-drop style approach, which can be fantastic for standard experiments. However, for those requiring more nuanced or novel experimental designs, the flexibility offered by scripting with jsPsych in Cognition becomes invaluable.
Both Gorilla and Cognition have carved their niches in the world of online experimentation. While Gorilla appeals with its user-friendly interface, Cognition tempts with its promise of flexibility and power. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on the individual researcher's goals, technical comfort, and the nature of the experiments they aim to conduct.