Assignment #1: Subject Participation

The purpose of this activity is to make you better aware of the research experience from the point of view of a subject. Over the course of the quarter, participate in three experiments of your choice. The experiments need not relate to music. For each experiment, write a one- or two-page summary of your observations. Use these experiences to identify possible problems that might confound experimental research involving humans.

You might find the following questions useful in formulating your observations.

1. Were the experimenter's instructions clear? Were there possible ways of misinterpreting the activity? Would it matter if the instructions weren't entirely clear?
2. During the experiment, was there anything that made you think the experiment involved deception? Were you suspicious or trusting of the experimenter?
3. Did you form a conscious strategy for the task? Did you pay attention or did your mind wander? Did you find the activity interesting/boring?
4. While engaged in the experiment, did you form an opinion about what specific hypothesis might be being tested? If yes, how might your opinion influence the experimental results?
5. Did the experimenter debrief you? Did you think you were aware of things that might have benefitted the experimenter?
6. Following the end of the experimenter, spend time with the experimenter to determine the precise hypothesis being tested. Were any of your prior thoughts, experiences or strategies, pertinent to the hypothesis?
7. How were you treated? Did you feel "used"? Did the experimenter give you a sense that your participation was valuable?
8. How do you think your experience (participating for this assignment) might differ from the experiences of ordinary subjects?

As proof of your participation in an experiment submit a copy of the Consent Form for each experiment. N.B. Experimenters are required to provide a copy of the signed Consent Form if you ask.

N.B. Consider participating in experiments that expose you to contrasting methods. For example, you might consider volunteering at the Medical School's fMRI facility, or in EEG (evoked potential) research. All consider participating in a paper-and-pencil survey. Students may also use the Music School's undergraduate subject pool.

DUE DATE: Friday June 2nd.

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