EAGER: The Effect of Stress and the Role of Computer Mediation on Exam Performance

在这个项目中，PI将探索一种新的实验和方法框架，用于测量和理解压力在学生考试表现中的作用。 压力在这里被定义为交感神经兴奋，一种帮助人类科普感知到的威胁或挑战的永远存在的机制。 计划中的实验，其中关键性和计算机中介定义了实验空间的两个轴，将涵盖一组丰富的组合，包括每两周一次的考试，每一次考试占分数的一小部分，而期中和期末考试则占分数的一大部分，交替提供纸质和iPad形式。 受试者将被随机分为对照组和干预组;干预组的时间将被放宽，以确定减压对能力演变的影响。 非侵入性测量（以确保不干扰观察到的行为）将跨越遗传，生理和心理水平，而微观到宏观的测量将提供对问题的深入理解。 虽然大多数HCI相关项目的目的是改变界面的设计，本研究，而不是调查的可能性，“改变”的人（学生）的教育系统的相关方面的革命。 改善人机界面是一个次要的目标，在那里，根据成功的干预，减压设计可以设想到抗衡的时间stressor.Broader影响：本研究试图确定和建议的方法来纠正问题的纸张与计算机为媒介的考试，沉淀强烈的同情反应。 为此，PI探讨了时间压力源的作用，并在这样做的问题，流行的教育理念的某些方面。

In this project the PI will explore a novel experimental and methodological framework for measuring and understanding the role of stress in student performance on exams. Stress is defined here as sympathetic arousal, an ever-present mechanism that helps humans cope with perceived threats or challenges. The planned experiments, in which criticality and computer-mediation define the two axes of the experimental space, will cover a rich set of combinations that include bi-weekly exams each of which counts for a small percentage of the grade vs. midterm and final exams that each count for a large percentage of the grade, alternately offered in paper and iPad forms. Subjects will be randomly divided into control and interventional groups; in the interventional group the time will be relaxed, to determine the effect of stress reduction on the evolution of competency. Unobtrusive measurements (to ensure non-interference with the observed behaviors) will span the genetic, physiological and psychological levels, while micro to macro measurements will afford a deep understanding of the issues. While most HCI-related projects aim to change the design of the interface, this research instead investigates the possibility of "changing" the human (student) by revolutionizing relevant aspects of the educational system. Improving the human-computer interface is a secondary aim where, depending upon the success of the intervention, stress-reduction designs can be conceived to counter-balance the time stressor.Broader Impacts: This research tries to identify and suggest ways to correct problems in paper- vs. computer-mediated exams, precipitated by strong sympathetic responses. To this end the PI explores the role of the time stressor, and in so doing questions certain aspects of the prevailing educational philosophy.