MORE ON SOUND

The audio used in my study uses a type of Western sound on scale as cues.

Western music uses a mathematical logarithmic scale. A logarithmic scale is a scale of measurement that uses the logarithm of physical quantity (this means measured and /or calculated and expressed numbers)

Some of our senses operate in a logarithmic manner, which makes logarithmic scales for these input quantities especially appropriate. In particular our sense of hearing perceives equal ratios of frequencies as equal differences in pitch. Studies in children and an isolated tribe have shown logarithmic scales to be the most natural display of numbers by humans.

On the interactive surface that my study focused on; each tile or object had a sound attached to it and each was differentiated by rhythm, pitch or intensity. There are several major sound parameters that can be dynamically varied in a single sound. These are: amplitude ( i.e., volume) frequency ( i.e., pitch); timbre ( i.e., soft/harsh); and phase ( i.e., (timbre/rhythm). Lessons from sonification ( that is the production of sound) suggests that the most intuitive mappings of information to sound rank as follows: amplitude; pitch; tempo and timbre. Research does provide us with specific aspects of sonification which must be considered in developing a model for sound feedback for children.

I did some reading from paper 'Exploring Ambient Sound Techniques in the Design of Responsive Environments for Children' by M. Dromeva, Professor A. Antle and Professor R. Wakkary. They developed the first known attempt to develop a model which uses sound (auditory displays) to support children in task-solving and related learning activities; which they specifically tailored to children's developmental needs and abilities. The model they developed uses sound feedback as an ambient display. I found this paper very relevant to my study and it shed light into issues of my own study.

I am indecisive as to whether I should briefly mention in my writing the logarithmic scale of Western sound and shed some light into the parameters of sound, since they have some relevance to my study.

Probably not. Not entirely sure, may be it is just useful information to know not necessarily to write.

Suggestions anyone?

Trying to fit appropriate writing is proving to be very challenging, may be a longer traditional thesis would be easier to write.