Comments
Reference
Summary
Discussion
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Full Blog: Opening Skinner's Box
Comments
Reference
Lauren Slater
Opening Skinners Box
Summary
In Opening Skinner's Box, Lauren Slater talks about a series of psychological experiments that changed the way researchers experienced the field of psychology and psychiatry. Each chapter in this book talks about an experiment and researcher challenged current thought of the time; and the impact of the concept has on society in general.
One of the most interesting parts about Slater's book is that instead of just writing about experiments, she sometimes puts herself to test on the concepts being studied. In chapter 3, where Slater talks about David Rosenhan and his experiment, the author volunteers to conduct the experiment being studied. At some point in the book, she even drugs herself in order to test the theories proposed by Bruce Alexander.
Slater's book can be described also by the amount of controversial thoughts presented in each chapter. Not only are the concepts controversial in themselves, but they also challenge the reader to look at both sides of the story before forming an opinion about a particular topic. For example, in the chapter named Monkey Love, Slater explorers the attachments theories of Harry Harlow not only from a psychological point of view, but also from an ethical perspective. At the end of the chapter the author finds herself talking about animal rights and whether they should be used for experiments.
Discussion
I found Slater's book to be very fascinating and interesting. One of the things that really caught my attention (aside from the psychological experiments being discussed) is that the author went beyond her duty in exploring each concept. In several occasions she put herself to test the topics being discussed. Even if this book is not directly related to HCI, it can still teach us a lot about the way humans think and the way different theories came to be known.
Reference
Lauren Slater
Opening Skinners Box
Summary
One of the most interesting parts about Slater's book is that instead of just writing about experiments, she sometimes puts herself to test on the concepts being studied. In chapter 3, where Slater talks about David Rosenhan and his experiment, the author volunteers to conduct the experiment being studied. At some point in the book, she even drugs herself in order to test the theories proposed by Bruce Alexander.
Slater's book can be described also by the amount of controversial thoughts presented in each chapter. Not only are the concepts controversial in themselves, but they also challenge the reader to look at both sides of the story before forming an opinion about a particular topic. For example, in the chapter named Monkey Love, Slater explorers the attachments theories of Harry Harlow not only from a psychological point of view, but also from an ethical perspective. At the end of the chapter the author finds herself talking about animal rights and whether they should be used for experiments.
Discussion
I found Slater's book to be very fascinating and interesting. One of the things that really caught my attention (aside from the psychological experiments being discussed) is that the author went beyond her duty in exploring each concept. In several occasions she put herself to test the topics being discussed. Even if this book is not directly related to HCI, it can still teach us a lot about the way humans think and the way different theories came to be known.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Book Reading #34 - Obedience to Authority
Chapter 1
Summary
In this chapter the author gives an overview of his experiment and the reasons behind its implementation. For the most part the shocking experiment is conducted in order to understand the role of authority in the holocaust and its relation to the moral values of the general executing the tasks.
Chapter 2
Summary
In chapter 2 Milgram discusses the methods used to conduct the shocking experiment. He talked about the recruiting process as well as the participants (experimenter, teacher, and learner). The author also talked about a post-experiment discussion with the subject where he was explained that no harmed really occurred to the victim and the true purpose of the experiments (subjects were told at first that the experiment aimed to research learning instead of obedience).
Chapter 3
Summary
Milgram talks about people's prediction about the outcome of the experiment. He found out that whether the prediction was about the self or another group, interviewees believed that most people would stop at 150 volts (first request of the victim to be released).
Chapter 4
Summary
This chapter talks about all the variations of the experiment and the effect on its outcome. Milgram determines that the remoteness of the experiment has a big impact on the amount of disobedience; that it, the closer the victim is to the subject, the less likely the subject is to administer the maximum punishment. The author talks about a few reasons explaining why this occurs.
Chapter 5
Summary
In chapter 5 Milgram talks about some of the subjects that took part of the experiment. One person in particular had trouble understanding the experiment and seemed to be controlled by authority. While this subject blamed the experimenter for his actions, other subjects only blamed themselves for administering shocks even after the victim expresses his desire to terminate the experiment.
Summary
In this chapter the author gives an overview of his experiment and the reasons behind its implementation. For the most part the shocking experiment is conducted in order to understand the role of authority in the holocaust and its relation to the moral values of the general executing the tasks.
Chapter 2
Summary
In chapter 2 Milgram discusses the methods used to conduct the shocking experiment. He talked about the recruiting process as well as the participants (experimenter, teacher, and learner). The author also talked about a post-experiment discussion with the subject where he was explained that no harmed really occurred to the victim and the true purpose of the experiments (subjects were told at first that the experiment aimed to research learning instead of obedience).
Chapter 3
Summary
Milgram talks about people's prediction about the outcome of the experiment. He found out that whether the prediction was about the self or another group, interviewees believed that most people would stop at 150 volts (first request of the victim to be released).
Chapter 4
Summary
This chapter talks about all the variations of the experiment and the effect on its outcome. Milgram determines that the remoteness of the experiment has a big impact on the amount of disobedience; that it, the closer the victim is to the subject, the less likely the subject is to administer the maximum punishment. The author talks about a few reasons explaining why this occurs.
Chapter 5
Summary
In chapter 5 Milgram talks about some of the subjects that took part of the experiment. One person in particular had trouble understanding the experiment and seemed to be controlled by authority. While this subject blamed the experimenter for his actions, other subjects only blamed themselves for administering shocks even after the victim expresses his desire to terminate the experiment.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Book Reading #34 - Opening Skinner's Box
Chapter 10: Chipped
Summary
In this chapter, Slater talks about the impact of lobotomy and similar procedures. She starts the chapter by discussing the unethical beginnings of this procedure; tracing back to Antonio Egas Moniz who selected subjects at random; and later on compares it to other pharmacological treatments. The author also talks about the effect of lobotomy on patients and whether or not it kills the "spark" of human lives.
In this chapter, Slater talks about the impact of lobotomy and similar procedures. She starts the chapter by discussing the unethical beginnings of this procedure; tracing back to Antonio Egas Moniz who selected subjects at random; and later on compares it to other pharmacological treatments. The author also talks about the effect of lobotomy on patients and whether or not it kills the "spark" of human lives.
Discussion
I found this chapter very interesting since I thought that behavior-modifying procedures on the brain were a thing of the future; not realizing that such a thing existed early in the 1900s.
I found this chapter very interesting since I thought that behavior-modifying procedures on the brain were a thing of the future; not realizing that such a thing existed early in the 1900s.
Paper Reading #14: Combining Multiple Depth Cameras and Projectors for Interactions On, Above, and Between Surfaces
Comments
Alyssa Nabors
Stephen Morrow
Alyssa Nabors
Stephen Morrow
Reference
Andrew D. Wilson, and Hrvoje Benko
Combining Multiple Depth Cameras and Projectors for Interactions On, Above, and Between Surfaces
User Interface Software and Technology
Andrew D. Wilson, and Hrvoje Benko
Combining Multiple Depth Cameras and Projectors for Interactions On, Above, and Between Surfaces
User Interface Software and Technology
Summary
This paper discusses the implementation details of an interactive room with a wide array of different interactions. LightSpace, as the authors call it, is a collection of depth cameras and projectors that provide the users new for of interactions on several atypical displays. While other studies have focused on interactions on specific display surfaces, LightSpace provides an ubiquitous computing room capable of projecting virtual objects on most surfaces (desktops, walls, etc). This type of technology is also able to engage the users in the interactive process by allowing them to hold virtual objects in their hands while interacting with them. For example, the authors make repeated mention of the fact that the user may transfer a virtual object (projection) from his/her desk and place it on the wall simply by touching both surfaces. This generates the idea that the object is being conducted through the user's body. It is also possible to "carry" the object from one location to another.
Besides incorporating the notion of holding objects on the hand, users can also use projected interactive menus on their hand; allowing them to add yet another interactive dimension to the smart room. But the grace of LightSpace is the fact that it requires few cameras and projectors, thus allowing it to blend better than other similar projects
This paper discusses the implementation details of an interactive room with a wide array of different interactions. LightSpace, as the authors call it, is a collection of depth cameras and projectors that provide the users new for of interactions on several atypical displays. While other studies have focused on interactions on specific display surfaces, LightSpace provides an ubiquitous computing room capable of projecting virtual objects on most surfaces (desktops, walls, etc). This type of technology is also able to engage the users in the interactive process by allowing them to hold virtual objects in their hands while interacting with them. For example, the authors make repeated mention of the fact that the user may transfer a virtual object (projection) from his/her desk and place it on the wall simply by touching both surfaces. This generates the idea that the object is being conducted through the user's body. It is also possible to "carry" the object from one location to another.
Besides incorporating the notion of holding objects on the hand, users can also use projected interactive menus on their hand; allowing them to add yet another interactive dimension to the smart room. But the grace of LightSpace is the fact that it requires few cameras and projectors, thus allowing it to blend better than other similar projects
Discussion
I didn't like the paper very much, but that's just my personal preference. I recognize that it is a starting point towards a broader goal, but I think its not worth the investing since it adds little to our current technological arsenal. However, this class is about HCI, therefore the project is important in the sense that it teaches us how users respond to this type of environment
I didn't like the paper very much, but that's just my personal preference. I recognize that it is a starting point towards a broader goal, but I think its not worth the investing since it adds little to our current technological arsenal. However, this class is about HCI, therefore the project is important in the sense that it teaches us how users respond to this type of environment
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Book Reading #32 - Opening Skinner's Box
Chapter 9: Memory Inc.
Summary
Slater talks about Dr. Scoville's surgery on H.M. where he removes the young boy's Hippocampus. Upon completing the surgery, H.M. became unable to form new memories.
This event triggered researchers such as Eric Kandel to investigate the means by which humans are able to convert short-term events into long-term memories. Kander, owner of a pharmaceutical company, is currently investigating drugs that would enhance human's ability to remember. However, Slater also explores the negative side effects of such drug; citing the needs for human beings to forget horrible events.
Discussion
My favorite part of this chapter is when the author talks about the negative side effects of remembering everything. I have not life a horrible life per se, but it seems logical that some people would not want to remember certain events in their lives.
Summary
Slater talks about Dr. Scoville's surgery on H.M. where he removes the young boy's Hippocampus. Upon completing the surgery, H.M. became unable to form new memories.
This event triggered researchers such as Eric Kandel to investigate the means by which humans are able to convert short-term events into long-term memories. Kander, owner of a pharmaceutical company, is currently investigating drugs that would enhance human's ability to remember. However, Slater also explores the negative side effects of such drug; citing the needs for human beings to forget horrible events.
Discussion
My favorite part of this chapter is when the author talks about the negative side effects of remembering everything. I have not life a horrible life per se, but it seems logical that some people would not want to remember certain events in their lives.
Book Reading #31 - Coming of Age in Samoa
Chapter 10: The Experience and Individuality of the Average Girl
Summary
In this chapter Mead talks about what it is like for a girl growing up in a Samoan village. In particular, Mead talked about the particular group of girls (age 10 - 20) that she followed throughout many months. Samoan children are exposed to many difficult situations early on in life, however none of this seems to affect them as they grow older. A large part of this chapter is devoted to Samoan girl's habits about the subject of sex.
Discussion
This chapter was kind of interesting particularly in two ways: (1) It seems that adults in the village are not very concerned about what their kids learn in terms of life; that is, parents are more concerned about teaching the duties to their kids. This fact seems to expose kids to several complex experiences. However, maybe the casualty with which parents go about it serves as a neutralizer to this experiences. (2) The other interesting part about this chapter is the amount of sexual exposure among the kids of the village.
Summary
In this chapter Mead talks about what it is like for a girl growing up in a Samoan village. In particular, Mead talked about the particular group of girls (age 10 - 20) that she followed throughout many months. Samoan children are exposed to many difficult situations early on in life, however none of this seems to affect them as they grow older. A large part of this chapter is devoted to Samoan girl's habits about the subject of sex.
Discussion
This chapter was kind of interesting particularly in two ways: (1) It seems that adults in the village are not very concerned about what their kids learn in terms of life; that is, parents are more concerned about teaching the duties to their kids. This fact seems to expose kids to several complex experiences. However, maybe the casualty with which parents go about it serves as a neutralizer to this experiences. (2) The other interesting part about this chapter is the amount of sexual exposure among the kids of the village.
Book Reading #30 - Emotional Design
Chapter 3: Three Levels of Design: Visceral, Behavioral, and Reflective
Summary
In this chapter Norman discusses the three levers of design: Visceral, behavioral, and reflective. Visceral design is related to he effect of the environment in our perceptions of things (for example, the use of bright colors in designing kid's toys). Behavioral design concerns itself with the use of objects (function, understandability, usability, and physical feel). Reflective design talks about the message that is conveyed by the objects. This level also deals with the cultural perception and the image that we want to convey to others.
Discussion
The chapter was interesting, however I get the feeling that the design subjects are pretty repetitive along Norman's books. Nonetheless, this has a different air from the other books.
Summary
In this chapter Norman discusses the three levers of design: Visceral, behavioral, and reflective. Visceral design is related to he effect of the environment in our perceptions of things (for example, the use of bright colors in designing kid's toys). Behavioral design concerns itself with the use of objects (function, understandability, usability, and physical feel). Reflective design talks about the message that is conveyed by the objects. This level also deals with the cultural perception and the image that we want to convey to others.
Discussion
The chapter was interesting, however I get the feeling that the design subjects are pretty repetitive along Norman's books. Nonetheless, this has a different air from the other books.
Paper Reading #13: TeslaTouch: Electrovibration for Touch Surfaces
Comments
Alyssa Nabors
Derek Landini
Reference
Olivier Bau, Ivan Poupyrev, Ali Israr, Chris Harrison
TeslaTouch: Electrovibration for Touch Surfaces
User Interface Software and Technology
Summary
Bau et al. present in this paper a new method for providing tactile feedback to touch surfaces through electronic means. While most tactile feedback today relies on mechanical moving parts, TeslaTouch relies on electric currents flowing through a screen; giving the user the sensation of interacting with different surfaces ranging from paper-smooth to wall-painting rough. It is important to mention that this technology is not the same as electrocutaneous feedback or electrostatic feedback. In eleactrocutaneous feedback, the electric charge passes through the skin and stimulates the nerve endings; when using electrovibration, the feedback is produced by the intermittent attraction of the finger and the surface. This is also different from electrostatic feedback as there is no third party object uniting the skin and the tactile surface. The advantages of electrovibration stimulation vs the mechanical counterparts include: Uniform distribution across the surface, attenuation and magnitude of tactile sensation, noise reduction, reliability, and feedback localization.
Discussion
This was a very interesting paper since it moves away from the traditional approaches for tactile stimulus. I think the authors did a good job at stressing the safety concerns about this kind of technology as the sole thought of using current to stimulate the skin is a little concerning.
Alyssa Nabors
Derek Landini
Reference
Olivier Bau, Ivan Poupyrev, Ali Israr, Chris Harrison
TeslaTouch: Electrovibration for Touch Surfaces
User Interface Software and Technology
Summary
Discussion
This was a very interesting paper since it moves away from the traditional approaches for tactile stimulus. I think the authors did a good job at stressing the safety concerns about this kind of technology as the sole thought of using current to stimulate the skin is a little concerning.
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