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Research paper thumbnail of Are Cognitive Styles an Important Factor in Design of Electroacoustic Music Software?†

Journal of New Music Research, Mar 1, 2008

This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exis... more This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exist between individual electroacoustic composers and the software they use. The discussion centres on a survey, conducted using a web-based questionnaire, of composers' cognitive styles and approaches to composition. This survey was motivated by a previous qualitative study of composers, in which two established composers unexpectedly revealed differences that mapped remarkably well onto one of the key dimensions of cognitive style identified in the psychological and cognitive literature, namely global and analytic. The results suggest that there are characteristic cognitive style traits within the electroacoustic composer community which correlate with particular approaches to composition and also to levels of satisfaction with composition software. Thus we propose a new area of research, namely, usability studies of computer music software that is sensitive to cognitive styles.

Research paper thumbnail of The challenge of standards for cognitive styles adaptable biomedicine learning object

2009 9th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications in Biomedicine, 2009

Abstract-A standards-based infrastructure for sharing biomedical educational contents should appl... more Abstract-A standards-based infrastructure for sharing biomedical educational contents should apply standards which address the scope and functionality associated with learning objects from perspectives of all actors involved in their Iife-cycles. The "learner" actor is arguably the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Diversifying assessment through multimedia creation in a non‐technical module: reflections on the MAIK project

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 2010

Creation of multimedia could be a valuable diversification of assessment methods within non-techn... more Creation of multimedia could be a valuable diversification of assessment methods within non-technical modules. The apparent popularity of sites based on user generated video content such as YouTube and also of podcasting suggest that relevant skills and interest are becoming more mainstream. Translating book learnt knowledge into visual forms involves a specific type of intellectual challenge. It seems possible that generating short multimedia presentations will increasingly come to be part of organisational communication, making it an increasingly authentic form of assessment. It could simply be a fun and creative variant of the group presentation. However, there is an entrenched cultural suspicion of the visual as superficial. The "technical skills" involved may give unfair advantage to some students. Any change process is likely to meet resistance and raise novel and unexpected obstacles to its perception as a fair form of assessment. The paper explores these issues and outlines the investigation of them in the MAIK action research project. It discusses in detail justifications for the design of the assessment task in this context, evaluates the success of this structure and reflects on what was learnt from the project about the issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Styles and Computer-Based Creativity Support Systems: Two Linked Studies of Electro-acoustic Music Composers

Lecture Notes in Computer Science

This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exis... more This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exist between individual electroacoustic composers and the software they use. The discussion centres on two linked studies: (a) a small scale intensive qualitative case study of 2 established composers, in which they unexpectedly revealed differences that mapped remarkably well onto one of the key dimensions of cognitive style identified in the psychological and cognitive literature, namely global and analytic; and (b) a survey, conducted using a webbased questionnaire, of composers' cognitive styles and approaches to composition. This survey was motivated by study (a). The results of the 2 studies combined suggest that there are characteristic cognitive styles traits within the electroacoustic composer community which correlate with particular approaches to composition and also to levels of satisfaction with composition software. Thus we propose a new area of research, namely, usability studies of computer music software that is sensitive to cognitive styles.

Research paper thumbnail of Towards “metacognitively aware” IR systems: an initial user study

Journal of Documentation, 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe: a new taxonomy of metacognitive skills designed ... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe: a new taxonomy of metacognitive skills designed to support the study of metacognition in the context of web searching; a data collection instrument based on the taxonomy; and the results of testing the instrument on a sample of university students and staff.Design/methodology/approachThe taxonomy is based on a review of the literature, and is extended to cover web searching. This forms the basis for the design of the data collection instrument, which is tested with 405 students and staff of Sheffield University.FindingsSubjects regard the range of metacognitive skills focused on as broadly similar. However, a number of significant differences in reported metacognition usage relating to age, gender and discipline.Practical implicationsThese findings contribute to the long‐term aims of the research which are to: develop a model of the actual and potential role of metacognition in web searching, and identify strategic “metacognitive inte...

Research paper thumbnail of Countering method bias in questionnaire‐based user studies

Journal of Documentation, 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss reliability problems associated with questionnaires, commonly ... more PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss reliability problems associated with questionnaires, commonly employed in library and information science. It aims to focus on the effects of “common method variance” (CMV), which is a form of bias, and ways of countering these effects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically reviews the use of existing tools for demonstrating reliability in questionnaire‐based studies. In particular, it focuses on Cronbach's alpha, “Harman's single factor test” and Lindell and Whitney's “marker variable” approach. The paper introduces an illustrative case study based on the work on metacognition and web searching. It goes on to make recommendations for researchers considering using a questionnaire‐based approach.FindingsCMV is a problem affecting questionnaire‐based studies in different disciplines across social and information science. Where questionnaire items are more abstract, CMV has been found to be more of a problem. The widely used Cronb...

Research paper thumbnail of Are Cognitive Styles an Important factor in the Design of Electroacoustic Music Software?

International Computer Music Conference, 2007

This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exis... more This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exist between individual electroacoustic composers and the software they use. The discussion centres on a survey, conducted using a web-based questionnaire, of composers' cognitive styles and approaches to composition. This survey was motivated by a previous qualitative study of composers, in which two established composers unexpectedly revealed differences that mapped remarkably well onto one of the key dimensions of cognitive style identified in the psychological and cognitive literature, namely global and analytic. The results suggest that there are characteristic cognitive style traits within the electroacoustic composer community which correlate with particular approaches to composition and also to levels of satisfaction with composition software. Thus we propose a new area of research, namely, usability studies of computer music software that is sensitive to cognitive styles.

Research paper thumbnail of An Analysis of Interviews with Composers From a Cognitive Styles Perspective

This paper reports a study of relationships between composers‟ cognitive styles and efficacy of t... more This paper reports a study of relationships between composers‟ cognitive styles and efficacy of the software they use. Qualitative data collected through interviews with established composers is analysed. Thus, we have elaborated a model of composition style, motivation and processes, and characterised selected composers in terms of how their cognitive styles explain their particular compositional approaches.

Research paper thumbnail of A Scoping Study Into Student Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Pedagogical Approaches That Implement Technology Enhanced Learning and Their Impact on the Student Learning Experience

ICERI2018 Proceedings, 2018

The Information School at Sheffield has a reputation for its teaching in Library and Information ... more The Information School at Sheffield has a reputation for its teaching in Library and Information Management and has recently expanded its taught programmes to include an online offering for professional development. We have recognised that there is a clear link between the more ‘technology reliant’ teaching practice on this new course and a greater depth of learning amongst its participants. An opportunity to take this good practice and introduce it to our more traditional teaching was identified. Postgraduate (online and face to face) student experiences and comprehension was investigated during a specific shared teaching scenario on the online course in Library and Information Services Management (LISM) and the face to face programme on Librarianship. Learning scenarios were framed in the module 'Academic and Workplace Library, Information and Knowledge Services in order to provide shared resources between these two distinct cohorts. The focus was a single teaching scenario in...

Research paper thumbnail of Development of Strategy in Online Searching: A Metacognitive Focus

Research paper thumbnail of Common Method Variance in Questionnaire-Based Studies of Metacognition

Research paper thumbnail of Module Title: Digital Multimedia Module Code: INF208 Online Teaching Resources: MOLE Pre-Requisites: None

Research paper thumbnail of Metacognition and web credibility

Electronic Library, The, 2012

Purpose-The research reported here generated a list of criteria adopted by postgraduate students ... more Purpose-The research reported here generated a list of criteria adopted by postgraduate students when evaluating websites. The analysis presented aims to determine whether metacognition played any part in the evaluation of websites by volunteers. Design/methodology/approach-Forty-eight students participated in the study. They carried out a series of searches designed to bring them into contact with a range of websites, from forums to electronic books. The students were encouraged to "think aloud" as they searched, and to explain their actions and strategies. Search sessions were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to ethnographic content analysis. Findings-A range of evaluation criteria is presented. The criteria were applied at different stages of the search process and demonstrate varying degrees of metacognition. Observations on evaluation processes are also presented. Factors affecting evaluation included the purpose of the search, advice received from lecturers, and the perceived nature of the website. Practical implications-Some volunteers encountered difficulties because of an overly simplistic approach to evaluation. Any training in information literacy skills should aim at equipping students with guidelines to help them assess the credibility of websites, while encouraging them to reflect on the nature of their search task and to apply the guidelines accordingly. Originality/value-The evaluation criteria and processes described in this paper are induced from detailed observations of a large cohort of students. The qualitative nature of the study meant that these observations could be put into the context of the students' own reflections on their choice of website.

Research paper thumbnail of ICT education issues and challenges in Australia and the UK

Proceedings of the 9th …, Jan 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Are Cognitive Styles an Important Factor in Design of Electroacoustic Music Software?†

Journal of New Music Research, Mar 1, 2008

This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exis... more This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exist between individual electroacoustic composers and the software they use. The discussion centres on a survey, conducted using a web-based questionnaire, of composers' cognitive styles and approaches to composition. This survey was motivated by a previous qualitative study of composers, in which two established composers unexpectedly revealed differences that mapped remarkably well onto one of the key dimensions of cognitive style identified in the psychological and cognitive literature, namely global and analytic. The results suggest that there are characteristic cognitive style traits within the electroacoustic composer community which correlate with particular approaches to composition and also to levels of satisfaction with composition software. Thus we propose a new area of research, namely, usability studies of computer music software that is sensitive to cognitive styles.

Research paper thumbnail of The challenge of standards for cognitive styles adaptable biomedicine learning object

2009 9th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications in Biomedicine, 2009

Abstract-A standards-based infrastructure for sharing biomedical educational contents should appl... more Abstract-A standards-based infrastructure for sharing biomedical educational contents should apply standards which address the scope and functionality associated with learning objects from perspectives of all actors involved in their Iife-cycles. The "learner" actor is arguably the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Diversifying assessment through multimedia creation in a non‐technical module: reflections on the MAIK project

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 2010

Creation of multimedia could be a valuable diversification of assessment methods within non-techn... more Creation of multimedia could be a valuable diversification of assessment methods within non-technical modules. The apparent popularity of sites based on user generated video content such as YouTube and also of podcasting suggest that relevant skills and interest are becoming more mainstream. Translating book learnt knowledge into visual forms involves a specific type of intellectual challenge. It seems possible that generating short multimedia presentations will increasingly come to be part of organisational communication, making it an increasingly authentic form of assessment. It could simply be a fun and creative variant of the group presentation. However, there is an entrenched cultural suspicion of the visual as superficial. The "technical skills" involved may give unfair advantage to some students. Any change process is likely to meet resistance and raise novel and unexpected obstacles to its perception as a fair form of assessment. The paper explores these issues and outlines the investigation of them in the MAIK action research project. It discusses in detail justifications for the design of the assessment task in this context, evaluates the success of this structure and reflects on what was learnt from the project about the issues.

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive Styles and Computer-Based Creativity Support Systems: Two Linked Studies of Electro-acoustic Music Composers

Lecture Notes in Computer Science

This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exis... more This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exist between individual electroacoustic composers and the software they use. The discussion centres on two linked studies: (a) a small scale intensive qualitative case study of 2 established composers, in which they unexpectedly revealed differences that mapped remarkably well onto one of the key dimensions of cognitive style identified in the psychological and cognitive literature, namely global and analytic; and (b) a survey, conducted using a webbased questionnaire, of composers' cognitive styles and approaches to composition. This survey was motivated by study (a). The results of the 2 studies combined suggest that there are characteristic cognitive styles traits within the electroacoustic composer community which correlate with particular approaches to composition and also to levels of satisfaction with composition software. Thus we propose a new area of research, namely, usability studies of computer music software that is sensitive to cognitive styles.

Research paper thumbnail of Towards “metacognitively aware” IR systems: an initial user study

Journal of Documentation, 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe: a new taxonomy of metacognitive skills designed ... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe: a new taxonomy of metacognitive skills designed to support the study of metacognition in the context of web searching; a data collection instrument based on the taxonomy; and the results of testing the instrument on a sample of university students and staff.Design/methodology/approachThe taxonomy is based on a review of the literature, and is extended to cover web searching. This forms the basis for the design of the data collection instrument, which is tested with 405 students and staff of Sheffield University.FindingsSubjects regard the range of metacognitive skills focused on as broadly similar. However, a number of significant differences in reported metacognition usage relating to age, gender and discipline.Practical implicationsThese findings contribute to the long‐term aims of the research which are to: develop a model of the actual and potential role of metacognition in web searching, and identify strategic “metacognitive inte...

Research paper thumbnail of Countering method bias in questionnaire‐based user studies

Journal of Documentation, 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss reliability problems associated with questionnaires, commonly ... more PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss reliability problems associated with questionnaires, commonly employed in library and information science. It aims to focus on the effects of “common method variance” (CMV), which is a form of bias, and ways of countering these effects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically reviews the use of existing tools for demonstrating reliability in questionnaire‐based studies. In particular, it focuses on Cronbach's alpha, “Harman's single factor test” and Lindell and Whitney's “marker variable” approach. The paper introduces an illustrative case study based on the work on metacognition and web searching. It goes on to make recommendations for researchers considering using a questionnaire‐based approach.FindingsCMV is a problem affecting questionnaire‐based studies in different disciplines across social and information science. Where questionnaire items are more abstract, CMV has been found to be more of a problem. The widely used Cronb...

Research paper thumbnail of Are Cognitive Styles an Important factor in the Design of Electroacoustic Music Software?

International Computer Music Conference, 2007

This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exis... more This paper explores cognitive style as one of the factors that may explain tensions that can exist between individual electroacoustic composers and the software they use. The discussion centres on a survey, conducted using a web-based questionnaire, of composers' cognitive styles and approaches to composition. This survey was motivated by a previous qualitative study of composers, in which two established composers unexpectedly revealed differences that mapped remarkably well onto one of the key dimensions of cognitive style identified in the psychological and cognitive literature, namely global and analytic. The results suggest that there are characteristic cognitive style traits within the electroacoustic composer community which correlate with particular approaches to composition and also to levels of satisfaction with composition software. Thus we propose a new area of research, namely, usability studies of computer music software that is sensitive to cognitive styles.

Research paper thumbnail of An Analysis of Interviews with Composers From a Cognitive Styles Perspective

This paper reports a study of relationships between composers‟ cognitive styles and efficacy of t... more This paper reports a study of relationships between composers‟ cognitive styles and efficacy of the software they use. Qualitative data collected through interviews with established composers is analysed. Thus, we have elaborated a model of composition style, motivation and processes, and characterised selected composers in terms of how their cognitive styles explain their particular compositional approaches.

Research paper thumbnail of A Scoping Study Into Student Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Pedagogical Approaches That Implement Technology Enhanced Learning and Their Impact on the Student Learning Experience

ICERI2018 Proceedings, 2018

The Information School at Sheffield has a reputation for its teaching in Library and Information ... more The Information School at Sheffield has a reputation for its teaching in Library and Information Management and has recently expanded its taught programmes to include an online offering for professional development. We have recognised that there is a clear link between the more ‘technology reliant’ teaching practice on this new course and a greater depth of learning amongst its participants. An opportunity to take this good practice and introduce it to our more traditional teaching was identified. Postgraduate (online and face to face) student experiences and comprehension was investigated during a specific shared teaching scenario on the online course in Library and Information Services Management (LISM) and the face to face programme on Librarianship. Learning scenarios were framed in the module 'Academic and Workplace Library, Information and Knowledge Services in order to provide shared resources between these two distinct cohorts. The focus was a single teaching scenario in...

Research paper thumbnail of Development of Strategy in Online Searching: A Metacognitive Focus

Research paper thumbnail of Common Method Variance in Questionnaire-Based Studies of Metacognition

Research paper thumbnail of Module Title: Digital Multimedia Module Code: INF208 Online Teaching Resources: MOLE Pre-Requisites: None

Research paper thumbnail of Metacognition and web credibility

Electronic Library, The, 2012

Purpose-The research reported here generated a list of criteria adopted by postgraduate students ... more Purpose-The research reported here generated a list of criteria adopted by postgraduate students when evaluating websites. The analysis presented aims to determine whether metacognition played any part in the evaluation of websites by volunteers. Design/methodology/approach-Forty-eight students participated in the study. They carried out a series of searches designed to bring them into contact with a range of websites, from forums to electronic books. The students were encouraged to "think aloud" as they searched, and to explain their actions and strategies. Search sessions were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to ethnographic content analysis. Findings-A range of evaluation criteria is presented. The criteria were applied at different stages of the search process and demonstrate varying degrees of metacognition. Observations on evaluation processes are also presented. Factors affecting evaluation included the purpose of the search, advice received from lecturers, and the perceived nature of the website. Practical implications-Some volunteers encountered difficulties because of an overly simplistic approach to evaluation. Any training in information literacy skills should aim at equipping students with guidelines to help them assess the credibility of websites, while encouraging them to reflect on the nature of their search task and to apply the guidelines accordingly. Originality/value-The evaluation criteria and processes described in this paper are induced from detailed observations of a large cohort of students. The qualitative nature of the study meant that these observations could be put into the context of the students' own reflections on their choice of website.

Research paper thumbnail of ICT education issues and challenges in Australia and the UK

Proceedings of the 9th …, Jan 1, 2008