HSPARC

Introduction to HSPARC

The Hoover Stimulus Perception and Response Capture (HSPARC) unit is a specialized research device designed for psychology researchers in academic settings. HSPARC enables synchronized capture of participant input via gamepad controllers alongside video recording, creating rich datasets that pair observable behavior with real-time subjective experience.

What is HSPARC?

HSPARC addresses a common challenge in psychological research: capturing continuous, moment-to-moment participant responses synchronized with recorded stimuli or live interactions. Traditional methods often rely on retrospective self-reports or discrete measurements, which can miss the nuanced, dynamic nature of human perception and emotion.

With HSPARC, participants use simple gamepad controllers to provide continuous input—such as emotional valence, engagement, or comfort level—while video and audio are simultaneously recorded. Every input is timestamped and perfectly synchronized with the corresponding video frame, enabling frame-accurate analysis of how subjective experience unfolds over time.

Key Features

  • Synchronized Data Capture — Controller input is timestamped to match video frames precisely
  • Multiple Operating Modes — Record live sessions, replay existing videos, or analyze collected data
  • Dual Participant Support — Capture input from one or two participants simultaneously
  • Encrypted Storage — All data is encrypted on a removable Study Key for security and portability
  • Flexible Export — Export data to SPSS, Excel, or CSV for analysis in your preferred tools

Common Research Applications

HSPARC is well-suited for research involving:

Counseling and Therapy Research

  • Track client emotional states during counseling sessions
  • Measure therapeutic alliance moment-to-moment
  • Identify critical incidents in therapy

Communication Studies

  • Analyze perceived engagement during conversations
  • Study emotional responses to conflict or disclosure
  • Compare participant and observer perceptions of interactions

Media and Perception Research

  • Measure emotional responses to video content
  • Study attention and engagement with media stimuli
  • Compare responses across different populations

Training and Education

  • Evaluate trainee responses during simulated scenarios
  • Measure engagement with educational content
  • Assess perceived difficulty or comprehension over time

Interpersonal Perception

  • Compare how participants perceive vs. are perceived
  • Study convergence and divergence of emotional experience
  • Analyze dyadic interactions from multiple perspectives

HSPARC Unit Types

HSPARC is available in two configurations:

Laptop Unit

A portable configuration built around a laptop computer. Ideal for:

  • Research requiring mobility between locations
  • Field studies outside the lab
  • Situations where a familiar form factor is preferred

Mini-PC Unit with Touchscreen

A compact configuration with a dedicated touchscreen display. Ideal for:

  • Permanent lab installations
  • Kiosk-style deployment
  • Situations requiring a smaller footprint

Both configurations include the same core capabilities and software—choose based on your deployment needs.

What's in the Kit

Every HSPARC unit includes:

Component Description
Computer Laptop or Mini-PC with touchscreen (depending on configuration)
Wide-angle Webcam Small webcam on tripod for capturing participants
Boundary Microphone High-quality microphone for clear audio capture
Game Controllers (2) Wii Nunchucks with USB adapter or Logitech F310 controllers
USB Hub For connecting all peripherals
Study Key Encrypted USB storage for secure data
Carrying Case Protective storage for all components

About the Controllers

HSPARC works with any USB game controller, but we've extensively tested and optimized for:

  • Wii Nunchucks (with USB adapter) — Our standard choice. The joystick provides smooth, intuitive input for continuous measures. The ergonomic design is comfortable for extended sessions.

  • Logitech F310 — A traditional gamepad option. Useful when participants are more familiar with standard game controllers.

If you have a preference, let us know before your unit ships.

Operating Modes

HSPARC software provides three distinct operating modes:

Recorder Mode

Capture participants in real time. Record synchronized webcam video, microphone audio, and continuous gamepad input during live sessions such as counseling, interviews, or conversations.

→ Learn more about Recorder Mode

Observer Mode

Extend your research by playing back previously recorded sessions—or videos from external sources—while new participants provide synchronized gamepad input. Perfect for perception studies and comparative analysis.

→ Learn more about Observer Mode

Researcher Mode

Review your data with synchronized playback of video and input traces. Analyze patterns, compare conditions, and export datasets for statistical analysis.

→ Learn more about Researcher Mode

Getting Started

Ready to begin? Continue to the Quick Start Guide to set up your HSPARC unit and run your first session.

Availability

HSPARC units are available to academic researchers in psychology and related fields via lease or cooperative research agreement. Contact us to discuss your research needs and availability.