Questions & explanations
1. Compare granular synthesis with traditional sampling for creating a pad sound.
Traditional sampling plays back a recorded loop, which can sound static and repetitive. Granular synthesis creates evolving, organic pads by continuously varying grain parameters like pitch, position, and envelope. For example, a sampled string note looped sounds the same each cycle, while a granular pad from the same sample can slowly morph, with grains randomly shifting in pitch and time. Granular synthesis also allows real-time manipulation, like freezing a moment or scattering grains, giving more expressive control. However, it can be less predictable and requires careful parameter tweaking.
2. Compare a tree diagram with a treemap for visualizing hierarchies.
A tree diagram shows hierarchy using lines and nodes, while a treemap uses nested rectangles. In a treemap, each rectangle represents a category, and its size shows a quantitative value, like sales. For example, a treemap of product categories shows which categories are largest. Tree diagrams are better for showing structure and relationships, while treemaps are better for showing proportions. Tree diagrams can become long and hard to read with many levels, while treemaps use space efficiently. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize structure (tree) or size (treemap).
3. Compare a real-time dashboard with a periodic summary dashboard. When would you use each?
A real-time dashboard updates data continuously, showing live metrics like website visitors or server uptime. It is useful for monitoring ongoing operations, such as a network operations center. A periodic summary dashboard shows data over a fixed time, like daily or weekly sales. It is better for reviewing trends and making strategic decisions. For example, a call center uses a real-time dashboard to see current wait times, while a monthly report dashboard helps managers plan staffing. Choose real-time when immediate action is needed, and periodic for historical analysis.
4. Compare wavetable synthesis with subtractive synthesis (using a filter on a basic waveform).
Wavetable synthesis creates complex timbres by morphing between different waveforms, while subtractive synthesis starts with a harmonically rich waveform (like sawtooth) and uses a filter to remove frequencies. For example, a wavetable synth can smoothly change from a reed-like sound to a bell-like sound without a filter, while a subtractive synth would need to modulate the filter cutoff to achieve a similar effect. Wavetable synthesis offers more timbral variety from the oscillator itself, but subtractive synthesis gives more control over the harmonic shaping via filters.
5. Compare the use of montage in a propaganda film versus a music video.
In a propaganda film, montage is used to create a strong political message. For example, shots of happy workers building a bridge are intercut with shots of a smiling leader. The editing suggests the leader is responsible for the progress. In a music video, montage is used for rhythm and mood. Shots of a singer performing are cut to the beat of the song. The meaning is less important than the visual energy. Both use juxtaposition, but propaganda aims to persuade, while a music video aims to entertain. The editing style in propaganda is often more serious and symbolic.
6. Compare the rhetorical effect of a map that uses the Mercator projection versus one that uses the Robinson projection.
The Mercator projection makes countries near the poles look bigger, which can make Europe and North America seem more important. This might support a view that these regions are central. The Robinson projection is more balanced: it distorts size, shape, and distance a little, but nothing is extremely wrong. It looks more like a globe. A map using Robinson might be seen as more neutral and fair. However, no projection is perfect. The choice of projection affects the viewer's impression of the world. A map maker can choose a projection to support a particular argument.
7. Compare the role of the audience in exploratory versus explanatory analysis.
In exploratory analysis, the audience is usually yourself or a small team. You are free to try different views and ask questions. In explanatory analysis, the audience is external, like managers or clients. You must tailor the presentation to their knowledge and needs. Exploratory analysis allows for uncertainty, while explanatory analysis requires confidence in the findings. For example, an analyst exploring data might say 'I'm not sure yet', but in a presentation they say 'The data shows that...'. The audience expects clear answers in explanatory analysis.
8. What is a common mistake when visualizing networks and how can you avoid it?
A common mistake is showing too many nodes and edges, creating a 'hairball' that is impossible to read. To avoid this, filter the network to show only important nodes or use aggregation. For example, group similar nodes together. Another mistake is using a layout that doesn't reveal structure, like random placement. Use force-directed layouts or hierarchical layouts to make patterns visible. Also, use color and size to encode additional information, like node importance. Interactive features like zoom and search can help users explore large networks.
9. What is 'stream of consciousness' in audio storytelling?
Stream of consciousness in audio storytelling means presenting a character's inner thoughts as they flow naturally, without logical order. The audio might include sudden jumps, unfinished sentences, or repeated words to mimic real thinking. This technique helps listeners feel they are inside the character's mind, experiencing raw emotions and memories. For example, an audio piece might mix a person's current worry with a childhood memory, linked only by feeling. It is often used in personal narratives or fiction to create intimacy and authenticity.
10. Compare gated loudness (using a -10 LUFS gate) with integrated loudness in BS.1770.
Integrated loudness measures the average loudness over the entire program, including silence. Gated loudness uses a threshold, like -10 LUFS relative to the integrated loudness, to ignore very quiet parts. This gives a more accurate sense of the loudness of the main content. For example, in a song with a long fade-out, integrated loudness might be lower, but gated loudness focuses on the loud sections. BS.1770 uses a two-stage gate: first a -10 LU gate, then a -70 LUFS absolute gate. This helps measure loudness that matches human perception better.
11. What is the role of photography in colonialism?
During colonialism, photographers from colonizing countries took pictures of people and places in colonized lands. These photos were often used to show colonized people as different, less advanced, or in need of control. The photographers usually had more power than the people they photographed. The images helped justify colonialism by making it seem like a good thing. They also created a record that the colonizers controlled, which affected how history was remembered. Today, people look at these photos critically to understand the power they had.
12. What is a visual fallacy?
A visual fallacy is a wrong way of arguing using images that tricks the viewer. For example, a false analogy compares two things that are not really alike. An ad might show a person climbing a mountain and then say a car is like that journey. The image makes the car seem adventurous, but the comparison is weak. Another fallacy is appeal to nature, where something is shown as natural to make it seem good. For instance, a picture of a green leaf on a medicine bottle suggests it is safe because it is 'natural,' but natural things can also be harmful.