Transcript
Page 1: Augmenting Human Compassion

Augmenting Human Compassion via Digital Media

Stage One of a Grounded Theory Approach

By Christine Rosakranse for RPI - COMM:Digital Rhetoric

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Problems in Current Literature

Definition for compassion describes a semantic range of possibilities including awareness (purely knowledge), an emotion, or a feeling .

Examples where the ambiguous language is most obvious include the chapter on The Nature of Compassion in the book Emotional Awareness, which is a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman.

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Compassion DevelopmentMonday, November 2, 2009

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Applicable TheoriesThe Grounded Theory approach with selective coding will provide the basis for the experimental design.

The elements of engagement can be classified into the following categories:

•perceptual/cognitive

•physiological

•conscious or reflective interaction

•emergent/transcendent

Qualitative methods, such as open-ended questions, will be included to identify possible ideographic causal processes that lead to compassion development.

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Stimuli

Ex 1. Fractal manipulation: Epimorphism by Gene Shuman, vibrant high precision simulated video feedback. Method of interaction: a fractal is projected on the 4 x 6 ft screen. The user uses a midi controller (slide interface) to alter variables in the algorithm, frequency, and color scheme of the projected fractal.

Ex 2. “Platforms” by the Aphrodite Project, http://theaphroditeproject.tv/saftey/

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TestingAlong with open-ended questions, the participants will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that attempts to cover each of the types of engagement:

Ex. Level of Perceived Engagement:

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Post-Processing

With this approach we will use observational analysis to create conceptual categories to define types of interaction with digital media as a first step to gradually refine and reevaluate these connections in a more formalized research setting.

This will provide the basis for a CHI short paper (extended abstract).

Future research includes testing the change in levels of compassion of those exposed to Interactive Digital Media over time (designed with the results from this research in mind).

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References

Brave, S., & Nass, C. (2007). Emotion in human-computer interaction. In Sears, A. & Jacko, J (Eds.). The Human-Computer Interaction Handbook: Fundamentals, Evolving Technologies and Emerging Applications, 2nd Edition. (pp. 77-92). Lawrence Erlbaum

Buckner, Barbara. "Healing Interactions and Interactive Digital Art - News and Project Statement". Afterimage. FindArticles.com. 02 Oct, 2009. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2479/is_3_29/ai_80757497/

Crawford, John R. and Julie D. Henry (2004). The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): Construct validity, measurement properties and normative data in a large non-clinical sample. British Journal of Clinical Psychology (2004), 43, 245–265. (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~psy086/dept/pdfs/BJCP_2004_PANAS.pdf)

Ekman, Paul, ed. (2008) Emotional Awareness: overcoming the obstacles to psychological balance and compassion: a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman. Henry Holt and Company: New York. pgs. 139-184.

Fledman Barrett, L. & Russell. (1999). The structure of current affect: Controversies and emerging consensus. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 8(1), 10-14.

Lutz A, Brefczynski-Lewis J, Johnstone T, Davidson RJ (2008) Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise. PLoS ONE 3(3): e1897. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001897

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