Welcome to HSPARC!
The Hoover Stimulus Perception and Response Capture unit is a new device built for psychology researchers in academic settings. The HSPARC is designed to receive participant input via gamepad controllers that is synchronized to video. This input can be captured while recording a video, or while playing back an existing video recording.
HSPARC comes in two varieties:
Laptop Unit
Mini-PC Unit (With Touchscreen)
Here's how it works. HSPARC has three modes:
Recorder Mode
Recorder mode captures participants in real time. As participants engage in live experiences—counseling sessions, interviews, conversations, or other interactions—HSPARC records synchronized webcam video and microphone audio while participants simultaneously provide continuous input through a gamepad controller. This allows participants to self-report on constructs like emotional valence, engagement, or comfort in the moment, creating a rich dataset that pairs observable behavior with real-time subjective experience.
Observer Mode
Observer mode extends your research by letting new participants respond to existing video content. Play back previously recorded sessions—or upload video from external sources—while a fresh group of participants provides synchronized gamepad input. Compare how different populations perceive the same interaction, gather ratings from trained coders, or measure entirely new constructs against identical stimulus material. By anchoring multiple participant groups to a single recorded event, Observer mode opens the door to perception studies, comparative analysis, and layered measurement designs.
Researcher Mode
Researcher mode puts your data front and center. Review synchronized input traces from individual participants or aggregate across groups, visualizing how responses unfolded over time. Flexible analysis routines let you explore patterns, compare conditions, and identify key moments in the data. When you're ready, export your datasets to SPSS, Excel, or CSV for further analysis in your preferred statistical environment.
Here's what comes in the kit:
Laptop OR Mini-PC and Touch Screen
Wide-angle Webcam
This is a small webcam that sits on a provided small tripod and should be pointed toward your participants.
Boundary Mic
This is a small microphone that you place close to your participants to capture quality audio.
Game Controllers (two)
These are the input devices for the HSPARC. Our unit will work with any USB game controller, but we have tested extensively with the Logitech F310, and Wii Nunchucks adapted to work with USB. We usually ship units with the Wii Nunchucks. If you prefer Logitech controllers, make sure to let us know before we ship your lease unit.
Availability Details:
- HSPARC units are made available to academic researchers in the field of psychology or a related field via a lease or cooperative research agreement.
- The first HSPARC units are being loaned to Regent University as the result of a grant agreement.
- Contact us with interest about leases beginning late 2026.
About the Developer
Dr. Jonathan Hoover serves at Regent University as Assistant Professor and Program Director for the MS in General Psychology program. Jonathan is an active researcher in the field of chronic stress and burnout. He is also honored to serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health. His recent interest in researching the convergence/divergence of perceived affect related to events or stimuli that unfold over time led to the development of the HSPARC device. Jonathan also serves as the senior associate pastor of NewSpring Church in Wichita, KS.
