For Experimenter

Before conducting the experiment, the experimenter is expected to

1. Understand how to operate the hardware, i.e. Emotiv headset
2. Understand how to operate the software, i.e. OpenViBE
3. Understand how to troubleshoot
4. Be familiar with the experimenter script

Experiment setup and environment

1. Find a quiet, air-conditioned classroom with normal lighting.
2. The room & desk should be plain-looking to prevent influences on participants’ emotions.
3. Prepare plain water for the participant.
4. Prepare the headset (physiological sensors, camera (must be hidden to minimize participant’s self-consciousness).
5. Open all software needed.
6. Do a test trial to make sure everything works fine.

Before the experiment: using slides to explain

1. Recruit participants among target population (young adults, primarily university students i.e. your friends & peers) and randomize.
2. In another room, give briefing to participant.
3. Give out consent form.
4. Highlight to the participants that there might be strong emotional and/or graphic content.
5. Pre-experiment briefing: refer to experimenter script
6. Answer questions about the procedures.
7. Ask the participant to read and sign the consent form.

During the experiment

1. Bring the participant into the experiment room.
2. Note that the experimenter should stay neutral throughout the experiment and should never indicate impatience/elicit unnecessary emotions from the participant.
3. The experimenter puts headset and sensors on the participant.
4. Run a test trial to allow the participant to be familiar with the procedure & software environment. Experimenter should be clear and patient when guiding the participant.
5. Experimenter leaves the room.

Trial 0-1:

1. Participant watches a pre-selected 30s neutral baseline film clip 0-1
2. Participant selects the manikin that best matches their emotion

Trial 1:

1. Participant watches randomly selected film clip
2. Participant select the manikins.
3. Participant fills up post-film questionnaire

2min break

Reduce carry-over effect & reduce fatigue

Trial 0-1:

1. Participant watches a pre-selected 30s neutral baseline film clip 0-1
2. Participant selects the manikin that best matches their emotion

Trial 2:

1. Participant watches randomly selected film clip.
2. Participant select the manikins.
3. Participant fills up post-film questionnaire

Experiment trials for current participant ends

After the experiment

1. Debrief users:
   • Inform users about the goal of goal & significance of the project: refer to experimenter script
2. Answer questions from the participant

Further experiments

1. Change the targeted population to children
   • The only thing that needs to be modified is the emotion elicitation materials.
   • Find children-friendly materials:
     • Shorter clips
     • Accessible to children
     • Emotions should not be too intense
     • Clips should not contain any violent, sexual, or graphic content
2. Measuring other physiological features, including but not limited to:
   • Measuring EMG
   • Measuring heart rate
   • Measuring skin conductance