Experimentbeginn

Experimentbeginn is a term used in German-language research literature to denote the formal start time of an experiment. It marks the moment when the planned procedures begin and data collection starts, serving as the time origin (often t0) for subsequent measurements. The concept is relevant across disciplines such as psychology, biology, medicine, and the physical sciences, where precise timing is essential for recording responses, stimuli presentation, and synchronized data streams.

Typically, experimentbeginn occurs after a series of preparatory steps have been completed. These steps may include obtaining informed consent, ensuring safety protocols, calibrating equipment, configuring experimental software, and, in many studies, performing baseline measurements. In clinical trials or stimulus-based experiments, the start is often tied to the administration of an intervention, the onset of a stimulus, or the activation of data acquisition systems. The exact definition of t0 is specified in the study protocol to support reproducibility and comparability of results.

In reporting, experimentbeginn provides a reference point for timing-related analyses, such as reaction times, latency of responses, or synchronization across modalities (e.g., video, audio, physiological sensors). It also facilitates precise documentation of deviations or delays and supports audits and replication efforts. Variations of the term may appear in protocols as “start of data collection,” “start of the experiment,” or “time origin,” depending on institutional conventions and disciplinary norms.

Overall, experimentbeginn is a foundational element in experimental design, ensuring clarity about when measurements and procedures officially commence.