Movement tracking of psychological processes: A tutorial using mousetrap.

Movement tracking is a novel process-tracing method that promises unique access to the temporal dynamics of psychological processes. The method involves high-resolution tracking of a hand or handheld device (e.g., a computer mouse) while it is used to make a choice. In contrast to other process-tracing methods, which mostly focus on information acquisition, movement tracking focuses on the processes of information integration and preference formation. In this article, we present a tutorial on movement tracking of psychological processes with the mousetrap R package. We address all steps of the research process, from design to interpretation, with a particular focus on data processing and analysis and featuring both established and novel approaches. Using a representative working example, we demonstrate how the various steps of movement-tracking analysis can be implemented with mousetrap and provide thorough explanations of their theoretical background and interpretation. Finally, we present a list of recommendations to assist researchers in addressing their own research questions using movement tracking of psychological processes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern
Published
2025-10-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48620/91787
Primary Topic
Mental Health Research Topics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Movement tracking of psychological processes: A tutorial using mousetrap.

Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern
Mental Health Research Topics
article

Movement tracking of psychological processes: A tutorial using mousetrap.

article en

Abstract

Movement tracking is a novel process-tracing method that promises unique access to the temporal dynamics of psychological processes. The method involves high-resolution tracking of a hand or handheld device (e.g., a computer mouse) while it is used to make a choice. In contrast to other process-tracing methods, which mostly focus on information acquisition, movement tracking focuses on the processes of information integration and preference formation. In this article, we present a tutorial on movement tracking of psychological processes with the mousetrap R package. We address all steps of the research process, from design to interpretation, with a particular focus on data processing and analysis and featuring both established and novel approaches. Using a representative working example, we demonstrate how the various steps of movement-tracking analysis can be implemented with mousetrap and provide thorough explanations of their theoretical background and interpretation. Finally, we present a list of recommendations to assist researchers in addressing their own research questions using movement tracking of psychological processes.

Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern
Consumer Product Testing Company (United States) (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 42%
Mental Health Research Topics
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Movement tracking of psychological processes: A tutorial using mousetrap. · Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS