PsyTimer
iPhone stopwatch for psychological assessment
PsyTimer is a specialized iPhone stopwatch for psychological assessment and other situations which require a combined timer and stopwatch with an easy-to-read display. If a time-limit is set, it is easy to see the remaining time.
PsyTimer stopwatch for iPhone was developed because of the need for a good and quiet stopwatch for neuropsychological assessment experienced by Dr. Palle M. Pedersen in his daily practice as a clinical neuropsychologist. Creative suggestions by users led to inclusion of new features, such as an option to display total seconds rather than minutes and seconds to ease the use with neuropsychological tests where time limits are usually reported in total seconds (90" rather than 1 min. 30 sec.).
The elapsed time will feature on a digital display as well as on an analogue clock. This makes it easy to collect information during testing. All functions are easy to access, and a big Start-Stop button is located at the bottom of the display, making it easy to reach:
The iPhone will not dim or turn off as long as the stopwatch is active.
You may choose to have the main digital display show the total number of seconds elapsed rather than minutes and seconds. The smaller digital display within the analogue clock face shows the other format (minutes and seconds if the larger display shows total seconds):
You can choose to have a time limit. A progress bar will display the elapsed time if a time limit is chosen, so it is easy to check when time is almost up. The switches for Time limit, Repeat and Alarm sound are conveniently located on the primary display:
If you choose the repeat function, the stopwatch will be cycling an interval. This is convenient when using a test like the "d2" concentration test, where the assessor needs to give a prompt every 20 seconds. A cycle count is displayed.
The digital display will change colour when the time limit has been reached. You can also choose for a sound signal emission at this point (optional):
You will probably want to put your iPhone in "Flight Mode" when using the stopwatch in order to avoid calls, mails, etc., during testing.
Touching the small "i" button on the main display will reveal the options display. Here you may choose whether 1) to show total seconds on the larger digital stopwatch display, and 2) the time limits for the buttons:
When you select the time limits for the buttons, two rows of buttons are shown. The row with a selected button is the row shown on the stopwatch. The stopwatch saves the values for both rows. Thus, you may keep two sets of time limits fitting two different test batteries. During testing you may toggle quickly between the two sets of time limits using the A-B button located just below the row of time limit buttons (new in version 1.4).
Pressing the help button in the upper left corner of the options display will bring forward the help display (new in version 1.5).
When the iPhone is rotated to the left, a larger analog clock face is shown on a steel gray background (new in version 1.5).
When the iPhone is rotated to the right, a larger analog clock face is shown on a wooden background (new in version 1.5).
Single-user license $4.99
Palle M. Pedersen, DMSc
Neuropsychologist
Copenhagen, Denmark
Updates
Version 1.1: It is now possible to change the values for the time limits. Two sets of time limits are saved by the program, and it is easy to alternate between the two sets. It can be convenient to make sets for different groups of tests.
Version 1.2: It is now possible to choose whether the main display shows minutes and seconds or the total number of seconds elapsed.
Version 1.4: Compatible with iOS 4. High resolution with iPhone 4. Improved clock face. Easy access to both sets of time limits from the primary timer display.
Version 1.6: Alternative interfaces with a larger analog clock face when the iPhone is rotated to the right or left. Build-in help system.