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- Title
- VOICE AUTHENTICATIONA STUDY OF POLYNOMIAL REPRESENTATION OF SPEECH SIGNALS.
- Creator
-
Strange, John, Mohapatra, Ram, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A subset of speech recognition is the use of speech recognition techniques for voice authentication. Voice authentication is an alternative security application to the other biometric security measures such as the use of fingerprints or iris scans. Voice authentication has advantages over the other biometric measures in that it can be utilized remotely, via a device like a telephone. However, voice authentication has disadvantages in that the authentication system typically requires a large...
Show moreA subset of speech recognition is the use of speech recognition techniques for voice authentication. Voice authentication is an alternative security application to the other biometric security measures such as the use of fingerprints or iris scans. Voice authentication has advantages over the other biometric measures in that it can be utilized remotely, via a device like a telephone. However, voice authentication has disadvantages in that the authentication system typically requires a large memory and processing time than do fingerprint or iris scanning systems. Also, voice authentication research has yet to provide an authentication system as reliable as the other biometric measures. Most voice recognition systems use Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) as their basic probabilistic framework. Also, most voice recognition systems use a frame based approach to analyze the voice features. An example of research which has been shown to provide more accurate results is the use of a segment based model. The HMMs impose a requirement that each frame has conditional independence from the next. However, at a fixed frame rate, typically 10 ms., the adjacent feature vectors might span the same phonetic segment and often exhibit smooth dynamics and are highly correlated. The relationship between features of different phonetic segments is much weaker. Therefore, the segment based approach makes fewer conditional independence assumptions which are also violated to a lesser degree than for the frame based approach. Thus, the HMMs using segmental based approaches are more accurate. The speech polynomials (feature vectors) used in the segmental model have been shown to be Chebychev polynomials. Use of the properties of these polynomials has made it possible to reduce the computation time for speech recognition systems. Also, representing the spoken word waveform as a Chebychev polynomial allows for the recognition system to easily extract useful and repeatable features from the waveform allowing for a more accurate identification of the speaker. This thesis describes the segmental approach to speech recognition and addresses in detail the use of Chebychev polynomials in the representation of spoken words, specifically in the area of speaker recognition. .
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000366, ucf:46340
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000366
- Title
- A PERFORMANCE STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF MRS. MEDLOCK IN THE SECRET GARDEN.
- Creator
-
Stern, Samantha, Ingram, Kate, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis will examine the character of Mrs. Medlock in the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre's "Theatre for Young Audiences" stage production of The Secret Garden. While recording my preparation and performance of the role, I will be drawing on and integrating many of the skills I have been acquiring in my Master's Degree program at UCF, including not only acting, movement, and voice, but also theatre research. My goals are twofold: first, to document the method of creating a rich, multi...
Show moreThis thesis will examine the character of Mrs. Medlock in the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre's "Theatre for Young Audiences" stage production of The Secret Garden. While recording my preparation and performance of the role, I will be drawing on and integrating many of the skills I have been acquiring in my Master's Degree program at UCF, including not only acting, movement, and voice, but also theatre research. My goals are twofold: first, to document the method of creating a rich, multi-layered, remarkable character, and second, to try to solidify what I have learned about this process and thus prepare for future roles in my career.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002085, ucf:47602
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002085
- Title
- HOW THE SKY TASTES: EIGHT STORIES.
- Creator
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Sinclair, Daniel, Leiby, Jeanne, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
How the Sky Tastes is not simply a collection of stories. It is my representation of moments in life, social commentaries, bits of humor, and pure entertainment all in one. Each story, although unique and easily able to stand alone, shares qualities I find important in writing fiction. First, each story features realistically flawed, yet sympathetic characters dealing with difficulties in life. Secondly, the actual moment is important in each story--whether that moment is something shared...
Show moreHow the Sky Tastes is not simply a collection of stories. It is my representation of moments in life, social commentaries, bits of humor, and pure entertainment all in one. Each story, although unique and easily able to stand alone, shares qualities I find important in writing fiction. First, each story features realistically flawed, yet sympathetic characters dealing with difficulties in life. Secondly, the actual moment is important in each story--whether that moment is something shared between two or more characters or simply the time a certain character comes to a serious realization. Finally, the style can make or break the story. I do not believe in gimmicky writing--form must always have function--but I do feel that the writing must be representative of the characters and the stories that it serves. Experimentation is important in writing. Each story should have its own way of telling itself. All these stories can be seen as experimental in some way, but also all these stories are told the way they have to be told. The characters tell the stories themselves and the writing just follows suit. It is my hope that readers can identify with most, if not all, of these stories, and engage interest in these characters enough to care about what happens to them, even if they don't necessarily like them.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001973, ucf:47431
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001973
- Title
- AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SPEAKERS' VOCAL CHARACTERISTICS ON RATINGS OF CONFIDENCE AND PERSUASION.
- Creator
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Montrey, John, Pryor, Albert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This experiment furthered previous research on perceptions of speakers as a function of various vocal characteristics. A low relevance passage was recorded by male and female speakers, simulating voices of orotund, thin, thoaty, flat, breathy, as well as rate and pitch variations, so as to determine effects on persuasiveness and confidence. Main effects were found regarding gender across all vocal characteristics. While an orotund voice produced predominately positive effects of ratings of...
Show moreThis experiment furthered previous research on perceptions of speakers as a function of various vocal characteristics. A low relevance passage was recorded by male and female speakers, simulating voices of orotund, thin, thoaty, flat, breathy, as well as rate and pitch variations, so as to determine effects on persuasiveness and confidence. Main effects were found regarding gender across all vocal characteristics. While an orotund voice produced predominately positive effects of ratings of speakers' confidence and persuasiveness, a breathy effect elicited negative ratings. The male speaker was judged more harshly than the female speaker when the vocal characterization departed from the norm.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000902, ucf:46750
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000902
- Title
- A PERFORMANCE STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF PROFESSOR MULLER IN THE VISIT.
- Creator
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Harrison, Stephanie, Boyd, Be, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
I propose to study the role of Professor Muller in The Visit as my thesis role because of the challenge that it presents, not only as a translated work, but also because of the character shift for me - Professor Muller is a 72 year old man and has now been changed to a woman in her thirties. Professor Muller is the only person to stand up to the antagonist, Claire. The confrontation between Claire and Muller takes on a certain tone when it is between a woman and a man, and has a completely...
Show moreI propose to study the role of Professor Muller in The Visit as my thesis role because of the challenge that it presents, not only as a translated work, but also because of the character shift for me - Professor Muller is a 72 year old man and has now been changed to a woman in her thirties. Professor Muller is the only person to stand up to the antagonist, Claire. The confrontation between Claire and Muller takes on a certain tone when it is between a woman and a man, and has a completely different outlook when it becomes woman vs. woman. The director has taken this play and set it in an abstract time and setting, loosely basing it in a post WW2 era in perhaps Switzerland, or even Germany, although the location will never be actually specified by the director. It is merely a suggestion of where we should begin the process of characterization. The town gives off an appearance of desolation, but we must retain the knowledge of better times. This challenge of not having specifics almost grinds at me to place specifics on the character, but I will attempt to refrain from this. This role will not only challenge my training here in movement, voice and character analysis, but will allow me to pursue a new kind of development in character, one that does not have to be mapped out. This character can be created only through the other characters on the stage. There are no clues in the script, really, because of extensive cuttings and re-workings through this translation. The Professor is defined by relationships, not by words, and this new process excites me. After the show has closed, I would like to explore the play in its entirety and look to see if I have remained true to the author's work while working in a new concept from the director. I think it is possible to still hold to the origins and maintain the message of the play even through such large changes. This is going to be one of the most challenging roles that I have faced. I think that at the same time that I am going to apply my training, I also need to let it go and explore her through my body, my heart. At home, outside the theatre, I can go through the analytical parts - the "who am I" and "where do I come from" questions. My journals will be exceptionally useful for this knowledge. However, in rehearsals, I want to "let it all go" and "fly by the seat of my pants" to uncover answers that might be lost to me if I use only my brain. This is my biggest weakness as an actor - allowing my brain to take over. The problem with over-analyzing is that I look to deeply into the words and the script for the clues that my body may already be telling me, or I miss an impulse to act on a feeling because I am to caught up reading into everything. I need to read, and then play, not read and concentrate. We are doing a "play" after all, not a "work". It is my hope that I can allow myself to play more, and thereby overcome this weakness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000988, ucf:46699
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000988
- Title
- Connections Between Voice and Design in Puppetry: A Case-Study.
- Creator
-
Skiles, Ryan, Chicurel, Steven, Wood, Vandy, Snyder, Tara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Puppets have been entertaining, educating, and mesmerizing American audiences since the birth of our nation. Both in live theatrical events and TV/film, audiences have watched puppeteers bring their puppet characters to life with clever voice quality choices, unique characterizations, and vivid visual designs. This thesis is a case study that first borrows insight from cartoon character designers, animators, and voiceover actors to provide considerations for voice quality choices,...
Show morePuppets have been entertaining, educating, and mesmerizing American audiences since the birth of our nation. Both in live theatrical events and TV/film, audiences have watched puppeteers bring their puppet characters to life with clever voice quality choices, unique characterizations, and vivid visual designs. This thesis is a case study that first borrows insight from cartoon character designers, animators, and voiceover actors to provide considerations for voice quality choices, characterizations, and design elements when creating a new puppet character. It then investigates the connections that exist between those three elements once a puppet is fully realized. In order to identify these connections, a test was developed in which participants were asked to use a set of blank puppet heads/bodies and a variety of facial features to each build a unique character and then provide their puppets with a unique character voice. The data collected from the test was then deconstructed and analyzed by comparing each included design element to specific Estill Voice Training System(TM) vocal attributes identified within each individual puppet character's voice to find where connections occurred. The goal of this thesis is to provide a systematic method for creating vibrant and rich original puppet characters.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005714, ucf:50153
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005714
- Title
- VOICE TRACK COMPUTER BASED SIMULATION FOR MEDICAL TRAINING.
- Creator
-
Makwana, Alpesh, Kincaid, J. Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Varying the delivery rate of audio-based text within web-based training increases the effectiveness of the learning process and improves retention when compared with a fixed audio-based text delivery rate. To answer this question, two groups of 20 participants and one group of 10 participants were tested using the Web-based Anatomy & Physiology course modules developed by Medsn, Inc. The control group received the static speed of 128 words per minute while the experimental group received the...
Show moreVarying the delivery rate of audio-based text within web-based training increases the effectiveness of the learning process and improves retention when compared with a fixed audio-based text delivery rate. To answer this question, two groups of 20 participants and one group of 10 participants were tested using the Web-based Anatomy & Physiology course modules developed by Medsn, Inc. The control group received the static speed of 128 words per minute while the experimental group received the initial speed of 128 words per minute with the option to change the speed of the audio-based text. An additional experimental group received the initial speed of 148 words per minute also having the option to vary the speed of the audio-based text. A three way single variable Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to examine speed of voice presentation differences. The results were significant, F (2, 47) = 4.67, p=0.014, ç2 = 0.166. The mean for the control group was (M = 7.2, SD = 1.69) with the experimental groups at, (M = 8.4, SD = 1.31) and with extra groups at (M = 8.6, SD = 1.26).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000639, ucf:46533
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000639
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF RECORDED MATERNAL SOUND ON PRETERM NEONATES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW.
- Creator
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Aloisantoni, Angela, Breit, Donna, Quelly, Susan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A fetus hears and responds to maternal sounds as early as 26 weeks' gestation. When born prematurely, a neonate may face health challenges due to overall organ immaturity and hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where developmentally important maternal sounds are replaced with routine hospital noise. A potential intervention that can provide meaningful auditory stimulation these neonates lack is implementation of maternal sound interventions. These interventions replicate the...
Show moreA fetus hears and responds to maternal sounds as early as 26 weeks' gestation. When born prematurely, a neonate may face health challenges due to overall organ immaturity and hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where developmentally important maternal sounds are replaced with routine hospital noise. A potential intervention that can provide meaningful auditory stimulation these neonates lack is implementation of maternal sound interventions. These interventions replicate the intrauterine auditory environment by playing recorded maternal speech and heart sounds in the incubator. A literature review was completed to identify effects on neurodevelopmental, nutritional, and physiological measurements this intervention may have on premature neonates. A review of the literature was conducted using the databases CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. Search terms utilized were: Voice/Sound; preterm/prematur*; neonat*/infant*/newborn; and matern*/mother*. Results were refined using limiters of peer-reviewed, publication date of 2012-2017, and English language. Twelve articles met the criteria for review. The maternal sounds intervention was found to correlate with improved neurodevelopment in the first months of life, especially relating to auditory and language areas of the brain. Nutritional outcomes were positive, but studies were inconsistent with findings. The physiological measurements were positively affected, with strong evidence of a calming effect, and lowering of the heart rate. Results indicated recorded maternal sound interventions were associated with positive health outcomes in premature neonates. Further research with larger sample sizes and uniform study designs are needed to validate the findings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFH2000399, ucf:45719
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000399
- Title
- DISCUSSION ON EFFECTIVE RESTORATION OF ORAL SPEECH USING VOICE CONVERSION TECHNIQUES BASED ON GAUSSIAN MIXTURE MODELING.
- Creator
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Alverio, Gustavo, Mikhael, Wasfy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Today's world consists of many ways to communicate information. One of the most effective ways to communicate is through the use of speech. Unfortunately many lose the ability to converse. This in turn leads to a large negative psychological impact. In addition, skills such as lecturing and singing must now be restored via other methods. The usage of text-to-speech synthesis has been a popular resolution of restoring the capability to use oral speech. Text to speech synthesizers convert...
Show moreToday's world consists of many ways to communicate information. One of the most effective ways to communicate is through the use of speech. Unfortunately many lose the ability to converse. This in turn leads to a large negative psychological impact. In addition, skills such as lecturing and singing must now be restored via other methods. The usage of text-to-speech synthesis has been a popular resolution of restoring the capability to use oral speech. Text to speech synthesizers convert text into speech. Although text to speech systems are useful, they only allow for few default voice selections that do not represent that of the user. In order to achieve total restoration, voice conversion must be introduced. Voice conversion is a method that adjusts a source voice to sound like a target voice. Voice conversion consists of a training and converting process. The training process is conducted by composing a speech corpus to be spoken by both source and target voice. The speech corpus should encompass a variety of speech sounds. Once training is finished, the conversion function is employed to transform the source voice into the target voice. Effectively, voice conversion allows for a speaker to sound like any other person. Therefore, voice conversion can be applied to alter the voice output of a text to speech system to produce the target voice. The thesis investigates how one approach, specifically the usage of voice conversion using Gaussian mixture modeling, can be applied to alter the voice output of a text to speech synthesis system. Researchers found that acceptable results can be obtained from using these methods. Although voice conversion and text to speech synthesis are effective in restoring voice, a sample of the speaker before voice loss must be used during the training process. Therefore it is vital that voice samples are made to combat voice loss.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001793, ucf:47286
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001793
- Title
- Passive voice usage in undergraduate STEM textbooks.
- Creator
-
Luo, Huiyuan, Mihai, Florin, Nutta, Joyce, Folse, Keith, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The present study, a corpus-based quantitative analysis, investigated the use of passive voice in terms of percentage (percentage of total passive usage), constructions (the most commonly used passive forms), and dispersion (the verbs that tended to be associated with passive usage) in college STEM textbooks, more specifically in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The corpus consisted of twenty textbooks with over 1 million running words selected from the textbooks' chapters....
Show moreThe present study, a corpus-based quantitative analysis, investigated the use of passive voice in terms of percentage (percentage of total passive usage), constructions (the most commonly used passive forms), and dispersion (the verbs that tended to be associated with passive usage) in college STEM textbooks, more specifically in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The corpus consisted of twenty textbooks with over 1 million running words selected from the textbooks' chapters. By identifying the main verbs and passive verbs used in the textbooks, the percentage of passive voice usage was calculated. The statistical difference of passive constructions between disciplines was examined by conducting a MANOVA test, and an instrument, the Compleat Lexical Tutor was used to generate a word list of the most commonly-used past participles in passive voice.Results showed that the overall percentage of passive voice usage is over 30%. The MANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference of passive voice constructions across the four disciplines, i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.Implications for teaching suggest that passive voice was an important grammar feature that needs to be taught tor the English as a second/foreign language students who major in the STEM fields. Additionally, the use of passive constructions should be taught differently in reading and writing based on the needs of the four STEM disciplines, due to the significant difference of passive forms usage in these fields.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007047, ucf:52020
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007047
- Title
- The utility of verbal display redundancy in managing pilot's cognitive load during controller-pilot voice communications.
- Creator
-
Kratchounova, Daniela, Jentsch, Florian, Mouloua, Mustapha, Hancock, Peter, Wise, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Miscommunication between controllers and pilots, potentially resulting from a high pilot cognitive load, has been a causal or contributing factor in a large number of aviation accidents. In this context, failure to communicate can be attributed, among other factors, to an inadequate human-system interface design, the related high cognitive load imposed on the pilot, and poor performance reflected by a higher error rate. To date, voice radio remains in service without any means for managing...
Show moreMiscommunication between controllers and pilots, potentially resulting from a high pilot cognitive load, has been a causal or contributing factor in a large number of aviation accidents. In this context, failure to communicate can be attributed, among other factors, to an inadequate human-system interface design, the related high cognitive load imposed on the pilot, and poor performance reflected by a higher error rate. To date, voice radio remains in service without any means for managing pilot cognitive load by design (as opposed to training or procedures). Such an oversight is what prompted this dissertation. The goals of this study were (a) to investigate the utility of a voice-to-text transcription (V-T-T) of ATC clearances in managing pilot's cognitive load during controller-pilot communications within the context of a modern flight deck environment, and (b) to validate whether a model of variable relationships which is generated in the domain of learning and instruction would (")transfer("), and to what extend, to an operational domain. First, within the theoretical framework built for this dissertation, all the pertaining factors were analyzed. Second, by using the process of synthesis, and based on guidelines generated from that theoretical framework, a redundant verbal display of ATC clearances (i.e., a V-T-T) was constructed. Third, the synthesized device was empirically examined. Thirty four pilots participated in the study (-) seventeen pilots with 100-250 total flight hours and seventeen with (>)500 total flight hours. All participants had flown within sixty days prior to attending the study. The experiment was conducted one pilot at a time in 2.5-hour blocks. A 2 Verbal Display Redundancy (no-redundancy and redundancy) X 2 Verbal Input Complexity (low and high) X 2 Level of Expertise (novices and experts) mixed-model design was used for the study with 5 IFR clearances in each Redundancy X Complexity condition. The results showed that the amounts of reduction of cognitive load and improvement of performance, when verbal display redundancy was provided, were in the range of about 20%. These results indicated that V-T-T is a device which has a tremendous potential to serve as (a) a pilot memory aid, (b) a way to verify a clearance has been captured correctly without having to make a (")Say again(") call, and (c) to ultimately improve the margin of safety by reducing the propensity for human error for the majority of pilot populations including those with English as a second language. Fourth, the results from the validation of theoretical models (")transfer(") showed that although cognitive load remained as a significant predictor of performance, both complexity and redundancy also had unique significant effects on performance. Furthermore, these results indicated that the relationship between these variables was not as (")clear-cut(") in the operational domain investigated here as the models from the domain of learning and instruction suggested. Until further research is conducted, (a) to investigate how changes in the operational task settings via adding additional coding (e.g., permanent record of clearances which can serve as both a memory aid and a way to verify a clearance is captured correctly) affect performance through mechanisms other than cognitive load; and (b) unless the theoretical models are modified to reflect how changes in the input variables impact the outcome in a variety of ways; a degree of prudence should be exercised when the results from the model (")transfer(") validation are applied to operational environments similar to the one investigated in this dissertation research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004251, ucf:49504
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004251
- Title
- The Frequency of the Passive Voice in Freshman Academic Books.
- Creator
-
Moreb, Basma, Folse, Keith, Mihai, Florin, Young, Beth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The use of passive voice has long been an area of difficulty for English learners. Celce-Murcia (&) Larsen-Freeman (2015) noted that it is learning when to use the English passive that presents the greatest long-term challenge to ESL/EFL students(") (p. 352). Because textbooks are a source of language input for English learners, this study investigated the frequency of passive voice verbs in samples from four academic textbooks in courses commonly taken by freshmen. The study also examined...
Show moreThe use of passive voice has long been an area of difficulty for English learners. Celce-Murcia (&) Larsen-Freeman (2015) noted that it is learning when to use the English passive that presents the greatest long-term challenge to ESL/EFL students(") (p. 352). Because textbooks are a source of language input for English learners, this study investigated the frequency of passive voice verbs in samples from four academic textbooks in courses commonly taken by freshmen. The study also examined whether there are significant differences between the frequencies by textbook. The data was collected from four General Education Plan (GEP) subject textbooks used in freshman classes at a large metropolitan university in the southeastern United States, namely English composition, history, psychology, and biology. The data was then compiled into a corpus of approximately 20,000 words created specifically for the current study, with 5,000 words randomly and sequentially selected from each of the four textbooks. The study utilized a table created by Folse (2009) to analyze differences between the basic passive voice tenses found in the textbooks. The study examined the be-passives, get-passives, and have-passives and their frequency in different tenses. The findings revealed that passive voice occurred in academic textbooks with an overall frequency of 7.06% (of all conjugated verbs). The results also found significant differences between the academic genres (p (<) 0.05). In this particular corpus, passive voice occurred more in biology than in the other subjects. Therefore, the results of the study indicated a need to explicitly teach the basic be-passive voice to English language learners to all English learners, but teachers also need to be especially aware that certain university subjects (e.g., biology) use more passive voice verb forms than others.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006695, ucf:51929
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006695
- Title
- WORKING MEMORY, SEARCH, AND SIGNAL DETECTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE SYSTEM MENU DESIGN.
- Creator
-
Commarford, Patrick, Smither, Janan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Many researchers and speech user interface practitioners assert that interactive voice response (IVR) menus must be relatively short due to constraints of the human memory system. These individuals commonly cite Miller's (1956) paper to support their claims. The current paper argues that these authors commonly misuse the information provided in Miller's paper and that hypotheses drawn from modern theories of working memory (e.g., Baddeley and Hitch, 1974) would lead to the opposite conclusion...
Show moreMany researchers and speech user interface practitioners assert that interactive voice response (IVR) menus must be relatively short due to constraints of the human memory system. These individuals commonly cite Miller's (1956) paper to support their claims. The current paper argues that these authors commonly misuse the information provided in Miller's paper and that hypotheses drawn from modern theories of working memory (e.g., Baddeley and Hitch, 1974) would lead to the opposite conclusion – that reducing menu length by creating a greater number of menus and a deeper structure will actually be more demanding on users' working memories and will lead to poorer performance and poorer user satisfaction. The primary purpose of this series of experiments was to gain a greater understanding of the role of working memory in speech-enabled IVR use. The experiments also sought to determine whether theories of visual search and signal detection theory (SDT) could be used to predict auditory search behavior. Results of this experiment indicate that creating a deeper structure with shorter menus is detrimental to performance and satisfaction and more demanding of working memory resource. Further the experiment provides support for arguments developed from Macgregor, Lee, and Lam's dual criterion decision model and is a first step toward applying SDT to the IVR domain.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000987, ucf:46715
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000987
- Title
- LISTENING TO STUDENT VOICES: FIFTH GRADERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR MATHEMATICS LEARNING WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A MATHEMATICS REFORM EFFORT.
- Creator
-
Hoffman, Elizabeth, Killingsworth Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This qualitative study explored fifth graders' perceptions of their mathematics learning within the context of a reform effort. Students' voices are the focus of this study due to the paucity of literature on student learning from the students' perspective (Erickson & Shultz, 1992), particularly the elementary student (Gentilucci, 2004). The participants of this study, who in the past have been given a variety of labels including "disadvantaged" or "at-risk," clearly articulated, even in...
Show moreThis qualitative study explored fifth graders' perceptions of their mathematics learning within the context of a reform effort. Students' voices are the focus of this study due to the paucity of literature on student learning from the students' perspective (Erickson & Shultz, 1992), particularly the elementary student (Gentilucci, 2004). The participants of this study, who in the past have been given a variety of labels including "disadvantaged" or "at-risk," clearly articulated, even in nonstandard English, their perceptions of their mathematics learning. They passionately explained what helped them learn mathematics as well as what impeded their mathematics learning and were often incredibly insightful in their commentary. In an effort to hear and present the student voices, the data gathering methods used in this study included the use of focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and classroom observations as well as the use of a student survey. Several ethnographic methods and practices were employed to help ensure the credibility of this study, including triangulation and member checking. Data analysis involved a highly detailed, organic process which culminated in the emergence of a number of significant themes involving students' perspectives of mathematics, their mathematics experiences prior to fifth grade, and finally their perspectives of their learning during the first year of a mathematics reform effort. A number of valuable lessons learned as a result of this study are presented and translated into implications for the elementary mathematics classroom. These lessons, based on the students' own voices, urge teachers to prioritize mathematics instruction, effectively utilize manipulatives, games, and alternative algorithms as well as encourage classroom discourse about mathematics. If teachers would follow this outline, provided by the students' voices, students' mathematical power will be more deeply realized. Additionally, the promise of true reform due to the transformational power of students' voices is discussed and the possibilities defined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000973, ucf:46693
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000973
- Title
- AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY COMPARING THE TEACHING PRACTICES OF READING ENDORSED VERSUS NON-READING ENDORSED SECONDARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHERS.
- Creator
-
Greenwell, Sabrina, Zygouris-Coe, Vicky, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This comparative case study investigated the teaching practices of secondary English language arts teachers who are reading endorsed versus secondary English language arts teachers who are not reading endorsed. Florida Department of Education mandated that all reading teachers, and strongly encouraged all English language arts teachers be reading endorsed to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind ("Just Read, Florida!" 2008). We now need research to see if this surge of reading...
Show moreThis comparative case study investigated the teaching practices of secondary English language arts teachers who are reading endorsed versus secondary English language arts teachers who are not reading endorsed. Florida Department of Education mandated that all reading teachers, and strongly encouraged all English language arts teachers be reading endorsed to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind ("Just Read, Florida!" 2008). We now need research to see if this surge of reading endorsed teachers is using their training in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore and to compare the teaching practices of two secondary standard English I in a reading block teachers, one reading endorsed and the other not reading endorsed, and two honors English II language arts teachers, one reading endorsed and the other not reading endorsed. Did the classes in reading instruction and scientifically based reading research (SBRR) strategies carry over into teaching practices in the classroom? If yes, how, or in what capacity, and in what areas of student learning? The participants in this study included secondary standard English I in a reading block teachers and honors English II language arts teachers from a local central Florida high school. Their identities are confidential, but their years of teaching experience, their qualifications, and their classes' level are provided. This comparative case study used an observation protocol, interviews with teachers, classroom observations, a questionnaire for teachers, and observational and reflective field notes made while observing and documenting teachers' practices in secondary English classrooms. This study investigated the value of the Florida reading endorsement, its influence on secondary teachers' knowledge of instruction and practices, the role of comprehensive professional development, and the endorsement's influence on student engagement. The significance of these results may provide evidence for policymakers to further mandate reading endorsements for content area teachers or become more lenient on their demands for English language arts teachers to become reading endorsed. The input and opinions of the veteran teachers may help shape and change the current endorsement while examining theory to practice. The study was qualitative in nature; most of the evidence and research came from observations and interviews. The voice of the veteran English teachers, their beliefs, instructional practices, classroom environments, and students' motivation is a reflection of current practices in today's public schools. There is evidence that professional development in scientifically based reading research has an impact on the instructional practices of teachers. The study included the voice of the teachers; what they would like to experience in professional development; what they found useful; what they need; and what they did not value. The participants explained how they transformed theory into practice. The findings of this study concluded that further research and communication is needed between the researchers who design professional development statewide initiatives for secondary content area teachers, the teachers/practitioners who implement the knowledge and strategies, the administration for support, and policy makers who mandate the professional development efforts. The reading endorsed teachers did create enthusiastic classroom environments where student motivation increased, but the teachers voiced obstacles that inhibited their professional development that should be addressed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002902, ucf:48006
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002902
- Title
- A MODEL OF TREATING HYPERFUNCTIONAL VOICE DISORDERS FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN WITHIN A SERIOUS GAMING ENVIRONMENT.
- Creator
-
King, Suzanne, Hoffman-Ruddy, Bari, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of the present study is to test the feasibility of implementing a video-game based intervention protocol as a means to improve therapy compliance in school age children with hyperfunctional voice disorders. Three levels of modification were made to an existing entertainment software program in order to implement the therapeutic protocol and test compatibility. The third level of modification included a two-phase quasi-experimental single subject design with a school age...
Show moreThe purpose of the present study is to test the feasibility of implementing a video-game based intervention protocol as a means to improve therapy compliance in school age children with hyperfunctional voice disorders. Three levels of modification were made to an existing entertainment software program in order to implement the therapeutic protocol and test compatibility. The third level of modification included a two-phase quasi-experimental single subject design with a school age participant receiving the video game therapy protocol and traditional therapy for equal time. The independent variables for this study included the mode of voice therapy delivery (traditional vs. video game). The dependent variables included therapy compliance, perceptual evaluations and acoustic measures. This study found that a purely entertainment video game can be implemented as a therapeutic protocol for a school age child diagnosed with a vocal pathology. Results illustrated no change in compliance with non-traditional therapy versus traditional therapy. However, perceptual measures improved post treatment for breathiness, strain and overall severity, as well as significant differences for mean amplitude. Discussion will focus on implications of employing video game based therapy and design of future studies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002834, ucf:48054
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002834
- Title
- A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Three Specific Communication Techniques in Vocal Rehabilitation.
- Creator
-
Graham, Minnie S., Ingram, David, Social Sciences
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis
- Date Issued
- 1978
- Identifier
- CFR0008166, ucf:53076
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008166
- Title
- DEFINING A CHARACTER THROUGH VOICE QUALITY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTER "GEORGE" IN SONDHEIM AND LAPINE'S "SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE" USING THE ESTILL VOICE MODEL.
- Creator
-
Swickard, Michael, Chicurel, Steven, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis explores the use of the Estill Voice Model, in particular six voice qualities (Speech, Twang, Falsetto, Cry/Sob, Belt and Opera) and their permutations, to define character, character traits and emotions. Traits and emotions that specific voice qualities can influence are, but are not limited to, location, age, background, socioeconomic status, genre, intelligence, nationality, class, culture, gender, promiscuity, disposition, pain and revelations. In particular, this thesis...
Show moreThis thesis explores the use of the Estill Voice Model, in particular six voice qualities (Speech, Twang, Falsetto, Cry/Sob, Belt and Opera) and their permutations, to define character, character traits and emotions. Traits and emotions that specific voice qualities can influence are, but are not limited to, location, age, background, socioeconomic status, genre, intelligence, nationality, class, culture, gender, promiscuity, disposition, pain and revelations. In particular, this thesis explores the use of voice qualities to show specific human qualities of the character "George" from Sondheim and Lapine's "Sunday in the Park with George" and the people he imitates in his painting by letting the characters' given circumstances (textual and subtextual), the way other actors portray the characters and the director's and musical director's input inform the choices in voice quality. By using the specific technical aspects of the Estill Voice Training System™ and combining them with the limitless aesthetic aspects of theatrical character, this thesis shows that this new structural analysis does not pigeonhole an actor, but rather it makes one more aware, accessible, adept and flexible to the needs of the character and the spontaneity of each new performance. This thesis provides a new paradigm of character analysis through voice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001570, ucf:47133
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001570
- Title
- VOICE ONSET TIME PRODUCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WTH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.
- Creator
-
Baker, Julie Baker, Ryalls, Jack, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In the present study, voice onset time (VOT) measurements were compared between a group of individuals with moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a group of healthy age- and gender-matched peers. Participants read a list of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words, which included the six stop consonants. Recordings were gathered and digitized. The VOT measurements were made from oscillographic displays obtained from the Brown Laboratory Interactive Speech System (BLISS) implemented on an IBM...
Show moreIn the present study, voice onset time (VOT) measurements were compared between a group of individuals with moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a group of healthy age- and gender-matched peers. Participants read a list of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words, which included the six stop consonants. Recordings were gathered and digitized. The VOT measurements were made from oscillographic displays obtained from the Brown Laboratory Interactive Speech System (BLISS) implemented on an IBM-compatible computer. VOT measures for the participants' six stop consonant productions were subjected to statistical analysis. The results of the study indicated that differences in VOT values were not statistically significant in the speakers with Alzheimer's disease from the normal control speakers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001269, ucf:46918
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001269
- Title
- RELIABILITY OF THE CONCENSUS AUDITORY-PERCEPTUAL EVALUATION OF VOICE ON PEDIATRIC VOICES WITH TRAINED AND UNTRAINED LISTENERS.
- Creator
-
Pitts, Teresa, Hoffman-Ruddy, Bari, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Rating scales are commonly used to study voice quality. The purpose of this study was to examine inter-rater reliability/agreement of graduate student clinicians with differing levels of experience in rating voice perception. The Consensus Auditory Perception Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) was used to asses 1.) overall severity, 2.) roughness, 3.) breathiness, 4.) strain, 5.) pitch and 6.) loudness from a sample of pediatric voices. Twenty-four graduate clinicians who had completed a graduate...
Show moreRating scales are commonly used to study voice quality. The purpose of this study was to examine inter-rater reliability/agreement of graduate student clinicians with differing levels of experience in rating voice perception. The Consensus Auditory Perception Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) was used to asses 1.) overall severity, 2.) roughness, 3.) breathiness, 4.) strain, 5.) pitch and 6.) loudness from a sample of pediatric voices. Twenty-four graduate clinicians who had completed a graduate level course in voice disorders participated in the study. Twelve of the participants were randomly selected to complete a perceptual training course prior to the evaluation session. Voice samples included 10 disordered and 2 normal voices from a population of children age 3-10 years old. The 12 voice samples were randomly repeated 3 times. Results of analysis of variance indicated that the groups significantly differed in their severity rating of the perceptual indices, suggesting that training affected the participants' judgment of severity. Additionally, variability was reduced as a function of training. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient's revealed a moderate to strong relationship for all of the perceptual indices suggesting that regardless of training participants have an implicit understanding of normal versus disordered voice samples.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000699, ucf:46492
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000699
