Dichotic Listening Experiment

Dichotic Listening Experiment George Papamanolioudakis Dichotic listening Abstract: In this experiment we collected data from seventeen (17) first year psychology students in order to identify the differences in speech recognition between the left and the right ear. Based on previous findings we expect that there will be a significant difference between them, as the left hemisphere of the brain which controls the right side of humans bodies, contains major areas controlling speech producing and recognition (Gallese Stamenov, 2002). A dichotic test was produced, using headphones, presenting the participants nonsense syllables such as â€Å"ka† and â€Å"ta† at the same time to both left and right ear. Our goal was to analyse scores from both ears and confirm if there would be a difference between them. The data we collected was ratio, within participants, and they were analyzed using a non-parametric test (Man-Whitney) due to the small sample given. The results have shown that we can confirm the above hypothesis, although later research with higher sam ple, would help as finalize the findings, and provide evidence with different methods. Introduction: In this study, we are going to examine whether people’s ability to report words accurately, is affected by which ear they hear them in. In order to investigate this, we are going to perform a dichotic listening task. Previous research (Kimura, 1961) on this subject, showed that the left hemisphere recognizes speech sounds better than the right. As the brain is connected with the body almost contra-lateral we assume that the right ear will be more capable of receiving words than the left. We can question this experiment, as it was performed to patients with epileptogenic foci, in different parts on the brain. Later on, based on an annual meeting of the academy of Aphasia in Chicago 1966, Doreen Kimura (1967) reviewed all evidence relating the asymmetry in speech recognition between the two hemispheres of the brain, confirming that the right ear of all humans was more able to recognize verbal stimuli due to better connections with the left hemisphere of the brain. Another experi ment (Molfese, Freeman, Palermo, 1975), which recorded auditory evoked responses from both cerebral hemispheres of humans in all ages, agreed that the left hemisphere responded more dynamically in speech stimuli, than the right which responded better in non-speech stimulus. The reason that makes the left hemisphere more accurate in verbal – speech stimuli, is that many areas related to speech are located there. Variety of evidence can prove that, such as many case studies of damaged brain cells on the left hemisphere of individuals that caused speech dysfunctions. More specific Broca’s area among other areas of the left hemisphere, has been repeatedly reported to be very important in the verbal domain (Gallese Stamenov, 2002). All these studies would not be so accurate if scientists were not able to analyze brain activity through specialized technology such as Magnetic encephalography (MEG), FMRI and PET scans. Using FMRI scientists Embick, Marantz, Miyashita and Oâ⠂¬â„¢Neil (2000) concluded that Broca’s area is specialized in the syntactic process of our brain, therefore there is a certain correlation given. Another area of the brain seems to play a crucial role on language understanding. Scientists found that when they increased the mean arterial pressure (pharmacologically) of a patient with a left frontal-temporal stroke, they managed to improve his language deficits as the Wernicke’s area (located on the left hemisphere) had improved perfusion (Hillis, et al., 2001) Other interesting findings have been discovered by examining patients with â€Å"split brain†. These patients had their corpus callosum removed (the part that unites the left with the right hemisphere), for other medical reasons, and gave scientists the opportunity to explore the differences between the â€Å"connected† brain and the â€Å"split brain†. Those findings showed that in the split brain condition the individual could not identify verbally an object presented on his left eye only, (left eye – right hemisphere) because there was no connection between the two hemispheres (Gazzaniga, 1967). Many researchers have used the dichotic listening test in order to examine whether the left or the right ear (right or the left hemisphere of the brain) would analyze better speech stimulus or other sounds (birds, music etc.). In this experiment we will introduce the same method in order to come up with a conclusion, as we expect that there will be a significant difference between the left and the right ear. Method: Participants: Seventeen first year undergraduate psychology students participated in this experiment. Ten (10) males and seven (7) females. Mean age =22.3, and the range was eighteen (18) to twenty-nine (29). All participants were right – handed. Design: The independent variable of this experiment was the left and the right ear, and the dependent was the correct identifications of the syllables provided both from the left and right ear. The experiment was within participants, as we measured correct answers from each participant individually. Materials: Each participant used a pair of headphones which provided stimuli for each ear. The stimuli was 15 combination of nonsense syllables, consisted of one of a series of consonants (b, d, g, k. p, t) paired with the vowel â€Å"a†. These sounds were recorded in 16 bit mono-aural mode and edited to 500 millisecond duration. Each person listened 30 presentations of the stimuli, carefully balanced for both ears, each one providing a different consonant – vowel pairing. For example the sounds â€Å"ka† and â€Å"ta† were presented at the same time on a different ear. The presentation of the sounds was reversed for a total of 30 trials. For example the sounds â€Å"ka† and â€Å"ta† were presented in both ears equally. Here is the link to the test (Dichotic Listening) Procedure: All participants arrived on CityU on time. They were welcomed by the instructors and placed on their seats. They were asked to read the information sheet and after all questions were answered they signed the consent form. Each participant used his/her own computer with her/his own headphones. They were asked to visit the link to the test, and when everyone was ready they completed the dichotic listening test individually. The test that was used was from APA webpage: ( http://opl.apa.org/Experiments/AlphabetList.aspx) on the â€Å"experiments† section located under word â€Å"d† (for dichotic listening). After clicking in the test they were asked to put the class ID number in order to collect the data from each of them. After they finished, they were thanked for their participation in the study and left. Results: This experiment took place in order to confirm that the right ear would recognise better syllables due to the immediate connection to the left hemisphere, than the left ear. The data we collected was ratio, within participants, and a non-parametric test was carried out (Man-Whitney) because of the small number of participants. The data shows that there was a significant difference understanding syllables from left and right ear. More specifically the right ear scored much higher (m=11,76 sd= 3,63) than the left (m=6,71 sd=3,08). The hypothesis was two tailed, and based on Man –Whitney’s non parametric test z=3,64 p Discussion: Based on previous research, we were able to perform a dichotic listening test in order to confirm that there would be a difference understanding syllables from right to left ear. As Doreen Kimura suggested (1961) the right ear was more capable recognising verbal stimulus as it is connected directly to the left hemisphere of the brain. Assumption which was made after many dichotic listening tests (Kimura, 1961), brain dysfunctions especially in the Broca’s and the Wernicke’s area (Gallese Stamenov, 2002), and specialized brain scanning through MEG, FMRI and PET technology (Embick, Marantz, Miyashita O’Neil, 2000). The absence of corpus callosum in many case studies confirmed that after separating the two hemispheres of the brain (split brain), the patients were not able to recognize verbally an object presented on their left eye, as the connection to the left hemisphere was lost (Gazzaniga, 1967). Our hypothesis was that there would be a significant difference understanding speech stimulus from the left to the right ear, and our findings can confirm those differences showing a huge possibility to find the same results to the whole population p References: Embick, D., Marantz, A., Miyashita, Y., ONeil, W., Sakai, K. L. (2000). A syntactic specialization for Brocas area. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(11), 6150-6154. Etard, O., Mellet, E., Papathanassiou, D., Benali, K., Houdà ©, O., Mazoyer, B., Tzourio-Mazoyer, N. (2000). Picture naming without Brocas and Wernickes area. Neuroreport, 11(3), 617-622. Gallese, V., Stamenov, M. (2002, April 1). Mirror Neurons and the Evolution of Brain and Language. Retrieved from ebscohost: http://web.a.ebscohost.com Gazzaniga, M. S. (1967). The split brain in man. Scientific American, 217(2), 24-29. Hillis, A. E., Barker, P. B., Beauchamp, N. J., Winters, B. D., Mirski, M., Wityk, R. J. (2001). Restoring blood pressure reperfused Wernicke’s area and improved language. Neurology, 56(5), 670-672. Kimura, D. (1961). Cerebral dominance and the perception of verbal stimuli. Canadian Journal of Psychology/Revue canadienne de psychologie, 15(3), 166. Kimura, D. (1967). Functional asymmetry of the brain in dichotic listening. Cortex, 3(2), 163-178. Molfese, D. L., Freeman, R. B., Palermo, D. S. (1975). The ontogeny of brain lateralization for speech and nonspeech stimuli. Brain and language, 2, 356-368.

A True Code Hero :: essays research papers

Hemingway a bright and simple man. A man who writes stories with characters who control their emotions or don’t complain about what’s going on in their life, other wise know as being stoic. People who seem to come to life when they show grace under preasure, have dignity for themselves and are committed to play by the rules. Four characters of Hemingway who show and have all these traits other wise know as the code of honor are Manuel Garcia, Francis Macomber, Ole Anderson, and an Old Waiter who is unnamed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Manuel Garcia is a man who enjoys bullfighting. He tries to convince others as well as himself that he’s still an incredible bullfighter. He’s given a chance to prove himself worthy by a little man named Retana. When Garcia is given this chance he takes advantage of it and asks Zurito, an old friend and skillful bullfighter if he will â€Å"[pick] two bulls for [him] tomorrow night,† (The Undefeated). Zurito is persuaded to pick two bulls for Garcia, but Zurito explains that â€Å"if [he] [doesn’t] go big tomorrow night [he’ll] quit,† (The Undefeated). Garcia has shown that he has the courage to bullfight once more despite his age. The day Garcia has been waiting for came; the bullfight that will determine whether or not he’s as good as he says. He enters the arena confident, but not all goes as he had planned. As the bull fight begins Garcia’s sword flies from his hand and is thrown into the audience. Garcia looks around for his sword, only to have it thrown at him. Despite another misfortune, this code hero keeps his grace under pressure when cushions and the sword are thrown at him by thanking them and bowing. This also shows that he is stoic by not showing others what he truly feels in his heart, sadness of being beat. Towards the end of the story, when the doctor is tying to rehabilitate Garcia, he keeps his dignity by saying he was good out there â€Å"[he] [just] didn’t have any luck was all,† (The Undefeated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Francis Macomber is another man who held the code of honor, though it might seem so at first. Macomber and a hunter by the name of Robert Wilson are out hunting, when they encounter a furious lion. A lion that frightens Macomber, which makes him unable to react to shoot the lion.

The Reign of Terror: Was it Justified

In 1792, French adversaries were pushing in on all borders and spies were rampant on the streets. To defend from internal enemies, prominent French leader Robespierre enacted the Reign of Terror. Anyone suspected of aiding the enemy was swiftly put on trial and executed. (doc. G) The Reign of Terror was not Justified because the threats to France externally and internally did not warrant the methods used. Those suspected of being spies or opposers of war during the French revolution were quickly tried and unjustly executed. Steven Otflnoski remarks in Triumph and Terror:The French Revolution â€Å"A careless word of criticism spoken against the government could put one in prison or worse. â€Å"(Doc E). Such executions were both morally unjust and a waste of human manpower during a time of war. Instead of causing people to follow the law, the reign of terror instigated several rebellions in France. (doc A). A letter from the National Convention in France remarks â€Å"We had reaso n to hope that these gatherings would cease as soon as the public troops arrived. Our hopes were misguided and this causes us the greatest of worries. † (doc. D).Had authorities established a sense of nationalist pride in French citizens, war would have been fought vigorously, there would be fewer rebellions, and thus, less loss of human life. In order to defeat two military powers on the front, France enacted a draft and started two wars which fueled more rebellion as people felt they were fghting for a country they didn't love. Document A details revolutions occurred after mandatory military drafts were instated. The French people had overthrown their king and gone to war for freedom, not to be ruled by a monarchy once more.Document B, a map of the war during 1972 shows France lost several decisive victories and lost cities and lives. The two wars coupled with the military draft caused citizens and soldiers alike to dislike the new republic as their comrades died to the guns and guillotines around them. The sharp blade of the guillotine was applied liberally to the necks of anyone suspected of working against France's interest. Document F shows the decapitation of Louis the XVI after extremely inconclusive evidence and faux claims painted him as an enemy spy and counter-revolutionary.Unfortunately, with the invention of the guillotine, Louis was Just one of tens of thousands killed in such a manner. Many such public execution were merely to invoke fear in the people's hearts. (doc D). Steven Otfinoski wrote in Triumph and Terror â€Å"The revolutionary Tribunal was established to try all crimes against the state. Tribunal members would not be elected by the people but rather by the national convention. † (Doc E). Not only trials brief and often merely formality, the small group of government leaders could convict anyone opposing them.Killing for power and fear didn't place pride in the oppressed French peoples' hearts a country on its knees. t o nly placed panic and despair, two detrimental qualities ot Although the reign of terror achieved the ends desired, it was not morally Justified due to the great losses of human life, the oppression of the French people, and the pointless violence that blossomed across europe as a result. It took three failed republics before France finally achieved a sustainable and loved government. In this case, Machiavelli would the ends Justify the means in the most inefficient manner.

Do Male Nurses Make More Money

Do Male Nurses Make More Money We know a wag gap exists throughout the business world, and that the fight for equal pay is super important. But does this happen in the nursing field? Surely if a male and a female nurse, with the same experience and education, are working in the same job, they must make the same money, right? Wrong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), female RNs made a median weekly salary of $1,011 in 2008, while male RNs made $1,168. That doesn’t look like a huge difference, but remember to multiply that by 52. The gap begins to widen.Turns out, female nurses make 86.6 percent of what their male counterparts are making. Is this just because they make higher hourly wages? Yes and no. Male nurses typically have the advantage coming straight out of school. They make up 6% of the nursing workforce, but tend to be better represented in the more specialized, high paying sectors of the field.Almost half of CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) are men, and making signific antly more than floor nurses, the vast majority of whom are women. This is mostly because becoming a CRNA requires a master’s degree, and men are more likely than women to go further in their nursing education. Men also factor highly in military nursing positions, which are also super lucrative.Now, this isn’t all salary discrepancy. Sometimes male nurses have the advantage because they’re not responsible for the same amount of childcare as some female nurses. They tend to have more freedom to work overtime shifts and take on extra work, relying on partners to pick up more of the domestic duties.And, perhaps more than anything, they tend to be more aggressive in asking for what they want in salary negotiations and annual reviews.Take away lesson for the ladies? If you can, get that extra degree. Ask your partner to take a few extra shifts of child care so you can bring in a bit more bacon. Push yourself a little further. Fight for pay equity. And, above all else , ask for a raise. You deserve it.

Free Essays on Lost

Lost In 1817, Mary Shelley set out to write a ghost story that would â€Å"curdle the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart.† With this goal in mind she began her quest. The finished product Frankenstein was one that frightened Shelley herself. With some persuasion from her husband the tale that began as â€Å"but a few pages† grew into an epic masterpiece. The novel discusses themes that have continued to ponder readers’ minds even today. The morals and ethics relating to the novel are universal and continue to cause controversy. The question as to whether or not the wretch’s behavior is justified is one such moral dilemma that haunts the readers of this gothic tale. Victor Frankenstein, a seeker of distinction, is synonymous with his misuse of science that creates a creature for which he provides no direction. It is almost a cautionary tale of the inevitable disasters that await when mankind attempts to play God, just as Victor tried to do. B y ignoring the natural process ! of creation around him and not taking responsibility for his actions, Victor indirectly causes the deaths of everyone he held dear to him. Instead of nurturing the creature he gave life to, he abandons it leaving the creature to face an unaccepting world on his own. â€Å"All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated whom am miserable beyond all living things.† (125) The result of Frankenstein’s abandonment is the creature’s revenge against him. He murders William (Victor’s innocent brother), frames Justine causing her execution, and murders Cleval. Mary Shelley allows all characters to express their side of the story, thus effectively forcing the reader to take a position, and side with either Victor or the wretch. Given societal standards and expectations, the wretch’s behavior would certainly be considered inexcusable; however, given the circumstances it can clearly be justified. The monster’s behavior can be justifi... Free Essays on Lost Free Essays on Lost Lost In 1817, Mary Shelley set out to write a ghost story that would â€Å"curdle the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart.† With this goal in mind she began her quest. The finished product Frankenstein was one that frightened Shelley herself. With some persuasion from her husband the tale that began as â€Å"but a few pages† grew into an epic masterpiece. The novel discusses themes that have continued to ponder readers’ minds even today. The morals and ethics relating to the novel are universal and continue to cause controversy. The question as to whether or not the wretch’s behavior is justified is one such moral dilemma that haunts the readers of this gothic tale. Victor Frankenstein, a seeker of distinction, is synonymous with his misuse of science that creates a creature for which he provides no direction. It is almost a cautionary tale of the inevitable disasters that await when mankind attempts to play God, just as Victor tried to do. B y ignoring the natural process ! of creation around him and not taking responsibility for his actions, Victor indirectly causes the deaths of everyone he held dear to him. Instead of nurturing the creature he gave life to, he abandons it leaving the creature to face an unaccepting world on his own. â€Å"All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated whom am miserable beyond all living things.† (125) The result of Frankenstein’s abandonment is the creature’s revenge against him. He murders William (Victor’s innocent brother), frames Justine causing her execution, and murders Cleval. Mary Shelley allows all characters to express their side of the story, thus effectively forcing the reader to take a position, and side with either Victor or the wretch. Given societal standards and expectations, the wretch’s behavior would certainly be considered inexcusable; however, given the circumstances it can clearly be justified. The monster’s behavior can be justifi...

How can Coca Cola further increase their customer base in reference to Case Study - 2

How can Coca Cola further increase their customer base in reference to marketing strategies - Case Study Example The company has a subsidiary employee basis of 30,000 people globally. 70% of its sales volume and 80% of the company profits are from outside (Adcock 23). First, we need to commend how the company has handled its branding. Looking briefly at branding since it is the focal of customer base sentiments, it is an effort to tie together, produce and have authority and control of the relevant associations so that the business performs better. Coca-cola has enormously benefited since they have successfully managed to create a brand which presents the company as being highly distinctive, very exciting and absolutely reliable with superb adverts. Even though its impossible to have full influence over a brand due to outside influences, wise use of design, advertising, marketing, service proposition and corporate culture among others can all really help in generating associations in people’s minds that benefit the company as an organization. The audiences, competitors, delivery and service aspects of branding may differ in different industry sectors but the main principle of being transparent about what you stand for always applies (Dev & Don 12). To get started on how to increase customer base in reference to marketing strategies, market research should be undertaken. This is to know what Coca-cola offers –both tangible and intangible elements. Finding out the main upcoming competitors by looking in places such as retail outlet shelves especially major supermarkets is also important. There is also need to know your customers; this is by doing a profile of your typical customers. Another great move which coca-cola is fully incorporating is increasing market share and reinforcing the existing customer base. In challenging economic conditions, Coca-cola has managed to prove that tough times can indeed be good times for

English A1 HL IB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

English A1 HL IB - Essay Example This contrast is a direct placement of Iago as the villain of the story since biblical tradition accepts the representation of Satan as something he is not. The audience of the time would have clearly understood the idea that by presenting himself as something different Iago has plans in place to act as the villain of the story and will bring harm to other characters. Another contrast which is made evident in the first scene is the contrast between Iago and Cassio. Iago compares himself with the present lieutenant and shows that he is more battle ready while Cassio is nothing more than a womanizing mathematician who can not be expected to hold his own in any battle. Additionally, Iago says that he has proven himself to the chiefs of the city several times over while Cassio has done nothing which is worthy of praise. A particularly strange comparison is made by Iago concerning the features of Desdemona and Othello when he calls them a white ewe and an old black ram respectively. This comparison works on several levels since Iago is accusing both the lovers of bestiality, he is comparing Othello’s old age with Desdemona’s young age and finally, he is comparing their colors to show the difference races these individuals belong to. All three are negative comparisons and serve to only heighten the indignation Brabantio feels at the disappearance of his daughter. In scene 2, there is an interesting comparison between Othello and Iago. When Brabantio and his men are approaching Iago and Othello, Iago asks Othello to go into the shadow yet he refuses. This shows the character of Othello that he believes he has done nothing wrong in marrying the person he loves. On the other hand, the character of Iago prefers to remain in the shadows and casts doubts as well as creates schemes while being in the shadows. When Brabantio confronts Othello, he makes several comparisons between Othello and Desdemona