Tidying up loose ends

Today we begin the last bit of data collection for an extended-abstract which was accepted at ICA. That's the trouble with doing extened abstracts...if they get accepted, then you have to do the work! We are completing what's called a cloze procedure on radio scripts. The analysis of that data will provide an indication of how much information each word provides. We are testing a hypothesis that the greater the information level of the individual word the greater the arousal levels while processing it. The physiology has already been collected (from Sungkyoung's thesis) and now we just need subjects to fill-in-the-blanks for the cloze procedures.

Of course, just like the first data collection day for any experiment, more to do than there is time for. Which is a shame because I need to read the latest draft of Sungkyoung's thesis, too! :)

Just 6 days until my dream superbowl!

Too long

It's been too long (since MLK Day, for goodness sake) since I've updated this. My time has been incredibly precious these days--working with Annie Lang on getting a grant application written and submitted by the deadline of February 23rd. It's coming along, but sucks up all the available blog time.

I'm also working on the Graduate Admission Committee for the department. It is such an honor to read the applications of the promising scholars and artists who apply for admission to our program. Not all are suited for grad school, but it is a task that I really enjoy.

Back to it.

Happy MLK Day

It is an important day, as we remember the moral necessity of equality.
It is also a day where I'm hoping to be able to catch up on many of the things that fell behind last week because my computer was in the shop. It is amazing to me how much I have truly come to rely on the laptop always being just a few moments away!

We heard yesterday from ICA's Information Systems Division about our latest paper submissions. Six of the Seven papers I was involved with in the division were accepted:

1. Radio Clutter--Double the Units
2. Video and Audio Information Density's Impact on Recognition
3. Video and Audio Information Density's Impact on Secondary Task Reaction Time
4. The interaction of emotional words and emotional context in radio messages
5. Information Density and Structural complexity on attitudes toward Radio PSAs
6. Correlating the information value of words with their physiological enjoyment and arousal

Of course, two of them (#3 & #6) were just extended abstracts--so the data have to still be analyzed! Oh boy, always lots of things to do!

Welcome to a new Semester!!

A new semester started yesterday...and my classes started today.
Let me tell you, being without a computer in my office really stinks!
Thank goodness for the IU Information Commons, which is just right across the parking lot from the t'comm. building!

I'd like to take this opportunity to say "Welcome!" to my T344 students.
If you actually read this on your way to pick up the syllabus, drop me a comment!
And...keep checking back to see what I'm working on in my research.

Look forward to seeing you all again Thursday.
rob