446 add documentation for experiment runner module contribution

docs/contribute/experiment-runner-module.md

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+# Contribute an experimentalist
+
+AutoRA experiment runners are designed with to generate observations. They encompass a range of tools for conducting both synthetic and real experiments. By combining the observations with the corresponding experimental conditions, they may provide the inputs for an AutoRA theorist that then formulates a model that elucidates the relationship between the conditions and the observed outcomes.
+![Experimentalist Runner Module](../img/experiment_runner.png)
+
+Experiment runners can be implemented as *synthetic runners*:
+To contribute a *synthetic experiment runner* follow the [core](core.md) contribution guide.
+
+Complete experiment runners are functions that return observations. Experiment runner contributions also encompass tools that help with the automation of conducting experiments. For example, tools that are already implemented are a automated [recruitment manager](https://autoresearch.github.io/autora/user-guide/experiment-runners/recruitment-managers/prolific/) for recruiting participants on  [Prolific](prolific.co) and a tool for automating [execution of online experiments](https://autoresearch.github.io/autora/user-guide/experiment-runners/experimentation-managers/firebase/) with [Firebase](https://firebase.google.com/).
+
+## Repository setup
+
+For non-synthetic experiment runners, we recommend using the [cookiecutter template](https://github.com/AutoResearch/autora-template-cookiecutter) to set up
+a repository for your experiment runner. Alternatively, you can use the 
+[unguided template](https://github.com/AutoResearch/autora-template). If you choose the cookiecutter template, you can set up your repository using
+
+```shell
+cookiecutter https://github.com/AutoResearch/autora-template-cookiecutter
+```
+
+Make sure to select the `experiment runner` option when prompted. If you want to design a tool to recruit participants, you may choose the option `recruitment manager`. If you want to design a tool to conduct experiments you may choose the option `experimentation manager`. You can also design a custom tool and name it yourself. You can skip all other prompts pertaining to other modules 
+(e.g., experimentalists) by pressing enter.
+
+## Implementation
+
+If you want to implement a complete experiment runner this should be a function that returns observations. But the experiment runner category also encompasses tools that help with automation of conducting experiments. For a more detailed overview, you can look at the [list of tools](https://autoresearch.github.io/autora/experiment-runner/) that are already implemented.
+
+
+## Next steps: testing, documentation, publishing
+
+For more information on how to test, document, and publish your experimentalist, please refer to the 
+[general guideline for module contributions](module.md) . 

mkdocs.yml

@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ nav:
     - Overview: 'contribute/module.md'
     - Theorist Contribution: 'contribute/theorist-module.md'
     - Experimentalist Contribution: 'contribute/experimentalist-module.md'
+    - Experiment Runner Contribution: 'contribute/experiment-runner-module.md'
   - Core Contributions: 'contribute/core.md'
   - Environment Setup: 'contribute/setup.md'
   - Pre-Commit Hooks: 'contribute/pre-commit-hooks.md'