Alec E
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2010
- Posts
- 244
- Likes
- 11
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I believe all research involves data collection, yes. I don't know how "lengthy" the experiment is, nor do you. Yes, I'm aware that research subjects volunteer.
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"Should have" isn't "will have." I have been involved in similar experiments myself and one generally has back-to-back appointments with the subjects. I am pointing out that needless complication, such as I forsee with the ER-4S more than with any other IEM or headphone we might consider, would be unwelcome.
As for the researcher being "smart enough" to assist the subject with the ER-4S, the real question is the researchers' experience with the IEM, not their intelligence, and it is clear from the very question being asked that the OP isn't experienced with the ER-4S, and may be unaware of how alarming the average person--as opposed to the average person who reads the portables forum on Head-Fi--would find the intrusive fit of this option. One even comes across the preference often enough, here, for a "shallow fit." Even when wearing the shallow-fitting TF10 in public, I more than once received aghast reactions at how deeply people thought it inserted.
In a project involving 20 or more subjects, I think you would have a fair chance of losing at least one subject who would balk at being asked to reenact a certain scene from Wrath of Khan.
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Wiping off earpads isn't comparably time-consuming to what we're discussing re. the ER-4S. I wonder if your determination to defend this option simply shows a Head-Fier's dedication to defending a much-loved IEM of Head-Fi. It is the OP's needs which should be considered.
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I agree that there is no perfect solution, but nothing you've said changes the fact that circumaural headphones would seem to be preferable, over the most invasive of all canalphones, for the purpose of a researcher. The exception would be if the level of isolation offered by the ER-4S really can't be matched by any affordable closed headphone, and I haven't looked at headphone specs in so long that I can't say.
| Originally Posted by ClieOS /img/forum/go_quote.gif It is a research that involve data collection on lengthy lab experiment with people who sign up for it. |
I believe all research involves data collection, yes. I don't know how "lengthy" the experiment is, nor do you. Yes, I'm aware that research subjects volunteer.
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| The researcher should have plenty of time and are smart enough not to torture the subject or offer them no assistance at all. |
"Should have" isn't "will have." I have been involved in similar experiments myself and one generally has back-to-back appointments with the subjects. I am pointing out that needless complication, such as I forsee with the ER-4S more than with any other IEM or headphone we might consider, would be unwelcome.
As for the researcher being "smart enough" to assist the subject with the ER-4S, the real question is the researchers' experience with the IEM, not their intelligence, and it is clear from the very question being asked that the OP isn't experienced with the ER-4S, and may be unaware of how alarming the average person--as opposed to the average person who reads the portables forum on Head-Fi--would find the intrusive fit of this option. One even comes across the preference often enough, here, for a "shallow fit." Even when wearing the shallow-fitting TF10 in public, I more than once received aghast reactions at how deeply people thought it inserted.
In a project involving 20 or more subjects, I think you would have a fair chance of losing at least one subject who would balk at being asked to reenact a certain scene from Wrath of Khan.
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| As for fit or hygiene, there are disposable foam tips (or alcohol wipe on silicone eartips). You still have to wipe the big can anyway. |
Wiping off earpads isn't comparably time-consuming to what we're discussing re. the ER-4S. I wonder if your determination to defend this option simply shows a Head-Fier's dedication to defending a much-loved IEM of Head-Fi. It is the OP's needs which should be considered.
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| Even with big can, the wearing position of the headphone can influence the result as well, especially if you include the effect on different shape of each person's ears. It could very well that the researcher can't ever get an universally flat response on the eardrum for each person. There is no perfect solution on both side, the research just have to choose the one with minimum side effect or something that has been proven before. |
I agree that there is no perfect solution, but nothing you've said changes the fact that circumaural headphones would seem to be preferable, over the most invasive of all canalphones, for the purpose of a researcher. The exception would be if the level of isolation offered by the ER-4S really can't be matched by any affordable closed headphone, and I haven't looked at headphone specs in so long that I can't say.
