Participate in a Research Project (keyboard typing data collection on desktop/laptop computers)

Dr. Daqing Hou, Dr. Mahesh Banavar, and Dr. Stephanie Schuckers, Clarkson University, perform research in the area of biometrics and are looking for subjects willing to participate in their research efforts.  You must be 18 years of age or older to participate.  The project involves the study of continuous human computing activity, specifically keyboard activity to determine their effectiveness (either alone or in conjunction with traditional biometrics) as a means of human identification.

If you choose to participate, we will set up an appointment for you to collect your biometric data.  There are no special preparations for the collection other than wearing comfortable clothing. Keystroke data will be collected using computers in CAMP 111 and will be maintained on a server hosted by Clarkson university.  To satisfy social distancing guidelines, you will be the only person in the room during data collection. We will communicate with you via videoconferencing if you have questions during the study. 

You will be given several typing tasks.  These tasks involves transcribing text into a webform and then answering some questions related to the text you transcribed. A software program on the server will record your keystrokes, mouse movements, and timestamps. A video camera will be used to record the keyboard and your hands only as well as the audio of your typing. You will be asked to use four keyboards during the typing session. 

If you choose to participate, your involvement could include a total of 2 in-person visits and one remote session; during each visit your keystroke data will be collected using a computer.  You would ideally be available for the two in-person visits, and if you are also fluent in Chinese, you will be invited to participate in the third, remote session (Please let us know this in your initial email). Each visit/session is expected to take one hour, and you will be compensated with $20 after the completion of each visit/session. Please note that participation is voluntary.  Refusal to participate or deciding to discontinue participation at any time will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

If you are still interested in participating, please email us at biometrics@clarkson.edu with days and times that you are available to participate in our research.  Our scheduler will respond back to you to set up an appointment.    

Your email address has been obtained from the Clarkson University’s office of News & Digital Content Services.

This biometric collection protocol has been approved through the Clarkson Institutional Review Board.  Approval #: 21-05 as well as Air Force Protocol Number: FWR20200170X 

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. 

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