Introduction:
My major professor, Lynne Schrum, is the co-researcher on a project being headed up by Denise Mathews from the Telecommunications department. As her advisee, I will also be participating in this research. The research is centered on the fact that a large portion of the student technology fees has been diverted to the UGA residence halls (excluding graduate and family housing) for the purpose of providing free cable modem access to their residents. Dr Matthews is interested in learning more about how these high-speed Internet connections are being used, especially in regard to other media delivery devices such as television, print, and radio.

Theoretical/Research Background:
There is very little research available, that the research team has been able to uncover, as to how students use high-speed Internet access in conjunction with other media delivery devices. Dr. Matthews is interested in uncovering any patterns regarding the use of different delivery mediums. This research will be largely exploratory in nature. However, Dr. Matthews does seem to expect to find that the cable modem technology will be used simultaneously with other media outlets on a regular basis.

Research Aims:
Describe usage patterns of media delivery devices
Explore relationship between usage patterns and gender

Methodology:
There will be two phases to this research agenda. Dr. Schrum and I will be involved in the first phase. This will involve the recruitment of participants for focus group interviews to discuss how they are using their cable modem connections. The plan is to conduct five focus group interviews with ten participants each lasting for approximately fifty minutes. The information uncovered in these focus groups will inform the instruments to be used in Phase Two of the research. The second phase, of which I will not be a part, will consist of repeated electronic surveys regarding Internet use. I am not familiar with the details of this plan.

Data Analysis:
I do not believe that I will be involved in the data analysis beyond providing rudimentary assistance to Dr. Schrum when requested.

My Role:
As I understand them, my personal responsibilities will be to:

• contribute to and assist with the background literature search
• recruitment and enlistment of participants
• scheduling and room reservation aspects
• the video and audio taping of meetings
• minimal participation in the focus group interview process