1. Directed Research
Wenkang Kan Prof. Tom Klinkowstein

2. Hypothesis
This thesis presents the hypothesis that sensory input and output (touch) when applied to short
form text based-media, may lead to an increased efficiency of messaging especially for those with
social anxiety disorders.
In contrast to text, image and video input, which require more upper brain (rational) processing,
touch more directly engages the lower (faster) brain, leading to superior information processing.
Such a hypothesis could lead to the adoption of short form messaging as a therapy for disorders
associated with Social phobia, Attention deficit disorder and Communication apprehension.

3. Research Outline

4. 1. Introduction / Overview
Thesis statement
A. Importance of short form media
B. Social anxiety disorders
C. Connection between A and B
2. Sensory systems
What’s the “primitive” input and output systems?
Which one is the most useful one?
A. touch B. visual C. smell D. hearing E. taste
Why? Comparing with B/C/D/E

5. 3. Upper and Lower Brain
upper brain
A. What’s the upper brain?
B. Purpose
C. Advantages / Disadvantages
lOWER brain
A. What’s the lower brain?
B. Purpose
C. Advantages / Disadvantages

6. 4. Social Anxiety disorders
A. Social phobia
B. Attention deficit disorder
C. Communication apprehension
5. Conclusion and
Further Questions

7. References
“Webmd. Mental Health: Social Anxiety Disorder”. Webmd.com. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
a b c d e Furmark, Thomas. Social Phobia – From Epidemiology to Brain Function. Retrieved February
21, 2006
John Krantz. Experiencing Sensation and Perception. “Chapter 1: What is Sensation and Perception?” pp.
1.6[1] Retrieved May 25, 2012
Kolb & Whishaw: Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology (2003)
Robles-De-La-Torre G. The Importance of the Sense of Touch in Virtual and Real Environments. IEEE
Multimedia 13(3), Special issue on Haptic NO User Interfaces for Multimedia Systems, pp. 24–30 (2006).
Robles-De-La-Torre G., Hayward V. Force Can Overcome Object Geometry In the perception of Shape
Through Active
Touch. Nature 412 (6845):445-8 (2001).
“Primitive Thinking Is Alive.” San Francisco Examiner. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2012.
“PSY 2012: Unit 2: Upper and Lower Brain Together.” PSY 2012: Unit 2: Upper and Lower Brain Together.
N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2012. <http://faculty.tcc.fl.edu/hss/mcguffr/bbcontent/2012/units/u02ec.htm>.
Biederman J (1998). “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a life-span perspective”. The Journal of
Clinical Psychiatry 59 Suppl 7: 4–16.
Holbrook, Hilary Taylor. “Communication Apprehension: The Quiet Student in Your Classroom”. ERIC
Digest. 1987. ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading and Communication skills Urbana IL. November 2, 2008

8. Thank you