Being in the thick of in-the-wild studies

Abstract

We describe the insights and challenges offered by researcher participation in in-the-wild studies through the comparison of two prototype evaluations with varying levels of researcher participation. By reflecting on these studies we expose different facets of the researcher's role when interacting with participants in in-the-wild studies. We also demonstrate the value of researcher participation in contributing to the way a researcher understands participant responses: aiding rapport, promoting empathy and stimulating the researcher to reflect on their own assumptions.

Evaluation of a Sound Quality Visual Feedback System for Bow Learning Technique in Violin Beginners: An EEG Study

“…One could be tempted to offer simultaneous real-time feedback in violin learning environments (e.g., violin-bow orientation, bowing trajectory, and timbre quality). However, a common concern found in user studies offering several simultaneous feedback is that participants usually have difficulties dealing with them (Van Der Linden et al, 2011; Johnson et al, 2012; Johnson, 2014). Delivering the different feedback separately at different times and as requested by the user could be one possibility to resolve that problem, as has been the approach in the TELMI project.…”

Scaling Up to Tackle Low Levels of Urban Food Waste Recycling

“…Reflexivity (cf., [39,52]) involves accounting for one's actions, decisions, thoughts, and worries when engaging in field work [39,52]. Johnson et al [39] discuss how being aware of one's role as a researcher can sensitize one to salient aspects of people's experiences, particularly for hands-on interventions that can disrupt everyday routines. The effect of conducting research on the researchers themselves-the dilemmas and anxieties they face, and how they deal with them-is also an important source of knowledge [14].…”

Performing Online and Offline: How DJs Use Social Networks

“…Taken together, these activities allowed the capture of a detailed picture of both the private and public environments in which the DJ's work took place. Additionally, as part of a process of participant observation [22,23], the primary author of this paper took on the role of an apprentice or amateur DJ / VJ and performed several gigs with three of the DJs over a period of one year. This extent of participation was motivated primarily by the need to get a closer access to an otherwise inaccessible group and secondarily owing to the primary author's own interest and experience in audio-visual performances.…”