*Probes: Biometrics and Interactivity
by Chris Csikszentmihályi
Not so many years ago, when I was working several freelance jobs and trying to get
money to go to graduate school, I noticed a poster around the University of Chicago
campus that advertised:
Sleep Study: earn $1200
Some applicants may be eligible to participate in 4 week study of sleep cycles. Applicant will gradually shift their regular sleep cycle by twelve hours over the four weeks, reversing their regular day and night patterns. Study occurs in your own home, except for the last two days, when subject is expected to play games and other social activities in the lab. No drugs.
An inviting description, except perhaps for the lack of drugs. I called, and received a more complicated and in-depth explanation from a gentleman, who pre-screened me for age, gender, and other personal information. He seemed very cautious, but I understood that they didn't want their subjects pulling out after a serious commitment of time and energy. He was supposed to get back to me, and did, although my machine took the message; I called him back, and missed him. After a few more abortive attempts to communicate by phone, I was eventually scheduled for an appointment at their administrative office, on the 8th floor of the old Hyde Park Bank building, near the University campus.