Graduate research studies

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #47000.

The study involves interacting with an information retrieval system to find relevant documents regarding a topic.

• Format: In-person/hybrid
• Method: The study will include a 1-hour tutorial/training and 5 tasks, each lasting for 1 hour. For each of the tasks, you will be given a topic along with its details, and your goal will be to find documents relevant to that topic using different configurations of our system. You may take breaks at any time except during the tutorial. The tutorial will be in-person on campus, but the remaining tasks can be completed remotely at a time of your choosing.
• Length: 6 hours total
• Participant requirements: 
  • Must be able to comfortably and efficiently read and understand documents in English to judge their relevance on a certain topic.
  • Must have access to a laptop/computer with a mouse, keyboard, and internet connection.
• Remuneration: $120 amazon gift card
• Attachments: Research poster

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #23241.

In this study, a measurement of behaviour test and non-invasive brain imaging will be done using transcranial magnetic simulations. The purpose of this study is to obtain a more detailed understanding of the brain mechanisms of how audiovisual integration changes with age which may help to understand possible treatment options. 

• Format: In-person
• Method: Audiovisual simultaneity judgment task where you will be asked questions about things you see and hear. See consent form for more information. 
• Length: 2-3 hours
• Participant requirements: 20-50 years of age with normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
• Remuneration: $10/hour
• Attachments: Consent form

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #46929.

This study investigates the design of voice agents as running coaches. The purpose of this study is to explore how people use a voice agent running coach system over a 3-week period.

• Format: Online
• Method: Participants will complete a 1-hour session to fill out a demographics survey, install the system on their device, and complete a training session with the system. This will be followed by a 3-week period in which participants will complete at least 6 outdoor running sessions. At the end of the 3-week period, there will be a 1-hour debriefing session where participants will share their experience.
• Participant requirements: 
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Comfortable exercising (mix of running and walking) outdoors for at least 12 minutes without stopping
  • Own a smartphone and headphones, and can stream and listen to audio during outdoor runs
• Remuneration: $50 gift card
• Attachments: Recruitment email

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #47404.

This study examines factors that impact player experience in 3D platformer games.

• Format: In-person
• Method: Participants will play Super Mario 3D World on the Nintendo Switch and then will complete a survey about play experience, gaming habits and preferences, personal questions.
• Length: 90 minutes
• Participant requirements: 
  • 18 to 64 years old
  • Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing
  • No known issues that would prevent the use of a wireless Nintendo Switch Pro controller
  • Play at least one (1) hour of video games per work on console, handheld console, and/or PC
  • No prior experience with Super Mario 3D World for the Nintendo WiiU and Switch, or Super Mario Land for the Nintendo 3DS
• Remuneration: $20
• Attachments: Information letter

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Committee, ORE #46972.

Through an anonymous survey, this study explores student experiences, perspectives, and expectations for health inclusivity in university to develop a framework that can inform course design and university policies.

• Format: Online
• Method: Participants will be asked a series of closed and open-ended questions.
• Length: 30 minutes
• Participant requirements: Participants should meet the following criteria:
  • Currently or previously enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Canadian university, with at least one class taken in 2024
  • Have health-related concerns, a health condition, disability or illness, or caregiving responsibilities*
    • *You do not need to currently have a health condition, disability or illness, or caregiving responsibilities
  • Have experienced health-related challenges, concerns, or risks with in-person learning in 2024
• Remuneration: N/A
• Attachments: Information letter