Applause Culture in Symphonic Concert Audiences

Niels Christian Hansen, assistant professor, Interacting Minds Centre, Aarhus University

Abstract: Applause is a mysterious, social phenomenon entailing spontaneous, ritualised expression of enthusiasm in response to exhibits of impressive skill in temporal arts such as theatre, acrobatics, and musical concerts. Although clapping behaviours arise universally in infants, the exact modes of expressing enthusiasm vary widely across cultures. For example, folk beliefs amongst classical music fans suggest that standing ovations arise especially frequently in North America, that synchronised clapping emerges more easily in Scandinavia, and that loud vocalisations are a more common part of Mediterranean audience behaviour. This survey study conducted on frequent attendees of symphony concerts in Denmark, Italy, and the United States provides the first-ever empirical test of anecdotal knowledge relating to applause culture in classical music. The outcomes of this seed project will contribute towards ensuring funding for a larger-scale research agenda with the goal of promoting data-based artistic and business-related decision-making within the creative and cultural sector.

Collaborating with Large Language Models: Prompting and the Future of Computational Thinking

Rebekah Baglini, associate professor, Department of Linguistics, Cognitive Science and Semiotics, Aarhus University; Center for Humanities Computing, Aarhus University
Arthur Hjorth, assistant professor, Department of Management, Aarhus University

Abstract: This project will investigate prompt engineering around large language models (LLMs) and the skills required to execute the prompt engineering process. The project will focus on designing a web interface, creating LLM challenges, and recruiting ML experts and novices as participants for observational and think-aloud protocol data collection. The data will be analyzed to identify prompt engineering process components, debugging approaches, perceived difficulties, and prior knowledge used to make sense of the process. The outcomes of the project will form the foundation for larger research instruments and grant applications. The interdisciplinary nature of the project draws on expertise from several different disciplines, including natural language processing, machine learning/engineering, learning sciences and education, and linguistics.

Free of charge - All are welcome