Doctoral Dissertation on Music Information Retrieval: Melody Matching using Strictly Relative Musical Abstractions

Researcher: Michael Kolta, Doctoral Student, State University of New York at Albany, Computer Science, 518-442-3388

Advisor: Dr. Seth Chaiken, Faculty, State University of New York at Albany, Computer Science, 518-442-4282

The purpose of this research is to test and refine several theories regarding user accuracy and other issues in Music Information Retrieval which are the foundation of Michael Kolta's doctoral dissertation in Computer Science.

The participants will be asked to utilize a computer with a web browser equipped with a standard music plug-in such as Windows Media Player or Quicktime, Internet access, and speakers or headphones. They will read questions and/or listen to short samples of music which do not contain words or singing. They will respond with typed answers to several multiple choice and short answer questions. The entire process is expected to take approximately 30 minutes.

“We do not anticipate any risk in your participation other than you may become uncomfortable answering some of the questions, which seems unlikely given the non-intrusive nature of the questions. You may of course skip any question(s) for any reason.”

“Some participants may find the questions enjoyable. Although you may not receive direct benefit from your participation, others may ultimately benefit from the knowledge obtained from this research.”

“All information obtained in this study is collected anonymously. This project has been approved by the University at Albany Institutional Review Board. Approval of this project only signifies that the procedures adequately protect the rights and welfare of the participants. Please note that absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the limited protections of Internet access. Please be sure to close your browser when finished so no one will be able to see what you have been doing."

“If you have any questions concerning your rights as a research participant that have not been answered by the investigator or if you wish to report any concerns about the study, you may contact the University at Albany Office of Research Compliance at 518.437.4569 or orc@uamail.albany.edu.”

"Your participation in this project is voluntary. Even after you agree to participate in the research, you may decide to leave the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you may otherwise have been entitled.”

“I have read, or been informed of, the information about this study. I hereby consent to participate in the study."