Inputlog

In writing process research the use of keystroke logging has become an established research method. Inputlog is one of the most used programs in this domain. The program enables researchers to observe the online writing process unobstrusively. It logs every input action that is used to produce a text, viz. keystrokes (incl. navigation keys), mouse movements and clicks and speech input via Dragon Naturally Speaking (Nuance). The program also provides a time stamp (in ms) and detailed information about the Windows environment that is activated (e.g. URL of a web page). Researchers can download the program from the Inputlog website for free (after registration).

Inputlog features five modules:

Record module: This module logs (keyboard, mouse and speech) data in Microsoft Word and other Windows based programs together with a unique time stamp. Moreover, in MS Word this module also logs character position, actual document length and copy/paste/move actions.
Pre-process module: This module allows researchers to process data from various perspectives: event based (keyboard, mouse and speech), time based or based on window changes (sources: MS Word, Internet etc.).
Analyze module: This module features three process representations (general and linear logging file and the s-notation of the text) and four aggregated levels of analysis (summary, pause, revision and source analyses). Additionally a process graph is produced.
Post-process module: This module integrates single or multiple log files from Inputlog or other observation tools and also makes it possible to merge multiple output files for further statistical analysis in, for instance, SPSS or MLWin.
Play module: This module plays back the recorded session. The replay is data based.

References

^[1] ^[2] ^[3] ^[4]

^ Leijten, M., & Van Waes, L. (2013). Keystroke Logging in Writing Research: Using Inputlog to Analyze and Visualize Writing Processes. Written Communication 30(3)| DOI: 10.1177/0741088313491692
^ Van Waes, L., Leijten, M., Wengelin, A., & Lindgren, E. (2012). Logging tools to study digital writing processes. In V. W. Berninger (Ed.), Past, present, and future contributions of cognitive writing research to cognitive psychology (pp. 507-533). New York/Sussex: Taylor & Francis. [ISBN: 9781848729636]
^ Leijten, M., Macken, L., Hoste, V., Van Horenbeeck, E., & Van Waes, L. (2012). From Character to Word Level: Enabling the Linguistic Analyses of Inputlog Process Data. In M. Piotrowski, C. Mahlow & R. Dale (Eds.), Linguistic and Cognitive Aspects of Document Creation and Document Engineering. Proceedings of the Second Workshop on Computational Linguistics and Writing (Avignon, CLW 2012) (pp. 1-8). ACL: Stroudsburg, PA [ISBN 978-1-937284-19-0]
^ Leijten, M. & Van Waes, L. (2006). Inputlog: New Perspectives on the Logging of On-Line Writing. In K.P.H. Sullivan & E. Lindgren (Eds.), Studies in Writing: Vol. 18. Computer Key-Stroke Logging and Writing: Methods and Applications (pp.73-94). Oxford: Elsevier.

[1] Leijten, M., & Van Waes, L. (2013). Keystroke Logging in Writing Research: Using Inputlog to Analyze and Visualize Writing Processes. Written Communication 30(3)| DOI: 10.1177/0741088313491692

[2] Van Waes, L., Leijten, M., Wengelin, A., & Lindgren, E. (2012). Logging tools to study digital writing processes. In V. W. Berninger (Ed.), Past, present, and future contributions of cognitive writing research to cognitive psychology (pp. 507-533). New York/Sussex: Taylor & Francis. [ISBN: 9781848729636]

[3] Leijten, M., Macken, L., Hoste, V., Van Horenbeeck, E., & Van Waes, L. (2012). From Character to Word Level: Enabling the Linguistic Analyses of Inputlog Process Data. In M. Piotrowski, C. Mahlow & R. Dale (Eds.), Linguistic and Cognitive Aspects of Document Creation and Document Engineering. Proceedings of the Second Workshop on Computational Linguistics and Writing (Avignon, CLW 2012) (pp. 1-8). ACL: Stroudsburg, PA [ISBN 978-1-937284-19-0]

[4] Leijten, M. & Van Waes, L. (2006). Inputlog: New Perspectives on the Logging of On-Line Writing. In K.P.H. Sullivan & E. Lindgren (Eds.), Studies in Writing: Vol. 18. Computer Key-Stroke Logging and Writing: Methods and Applications (pp.73-94). Oxford: Elsevier.

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