Shanu Shukla
Sessions
Selecting appropriate stimuli is a crucial step in experimental research, yet it is often underestimated. Piloting ensures that the stimuli effectively elicit the intended responses while also identifying potential issues before the main study. In our research conducted in Czechia, we created aggressive and neutral social media posts in Czech language and used the Prolific online platform to assess their perceived aggressiveness. This pilot study allowed us to refine and shortlist the most suitable stimuli for our future experiment study, ensuring they aligned with our research objectives. By testing engagement and perception early, we minimized biases, improved validity, and enhanced the overall quality of our study. This talk highlights the importance of piloting stimuli in experimental research and how strategic stimulus selection strengthens the reliability of findings.
Media multitasking—simultaneously engaging with multiple digital streams—is a common behavior with significant cognitive implications. However, studying it experimentally poses a key challenge: how can we balance experimental control with ecological validity? Additionally, what range of media multitasking activities should be considered? This session invites an open discussion on innovative methodologies to address these issues. We will explore approaches such as dynamic task designs, immersive real-world simulations, and adaptive experimental paradigms that better capture natural media consumption patterns. By refining our methods, we can generate findings that are both scientifically rigorous and applicable to real-world contexts. Let’s collaborate to advance the experimental study of media multitasking!