Analysis / Observations

Reflection and further analysis – not included in video)

The visualizations show not only connections between the participants’ music choices but also group participants based on the strength of these choices, creating communities of individuals with similar responses. However, a closer examination reveals important considerations regarding the completeness and interpretation of the data. In terms of the numbers, all 23 class members submitted their 10 curated song lists, which are included in the data. For all intents and purposes, all data appears to be present. However, what we cannot tell from the data is the criteria each of the curators used to make their selections.

Groupings might be based on predefined categories that do not necessarily align with participants’ experiences or identities. The data might reflect cultural biases, assuming certain genres or artists are universally understood or valued. Moreover, the data might be misinterpreted without considering the context in which it was collected. For example, two curators may be in the same community; however, their reasoning or criteria for choosing a song could be completely different. This may put two curators in the same community or cluster but not necessarily capture the nuances behind their choices.

Reasons for not choosing certain options can be diverse and significant. Participants might avoid certain music genres due to negative associations, cultural stigma, or lack of exposure. These reasons are crucial but are often not reflected in the data. Furthermore, Track 4: Pygmy Girls Initiation Song and Track 27: Beethoven, String Quartet No. 13 in B flat were both tracks on the Voyager Golden Record. However, the compilation of the songs provided to us on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4D51474AB7BE5595) for us to listen to did not include these two tracks. I am curious if this impacted the results. I noticed in the data that Track 4 was chosen by five curators, while Track 27 was only chosen by two. I know that I did not even consider either of those songs. Furthermore, on the YouTube link above, the songs are in a different order than on the original record. Would this have impacted choices?

The representation or lack thereof of certain groups or preferences can reflect existing power dynamics and cultural hegemonies. Analyzing which groups or preferences are missing can highlight issues of inclusivity and representation. Understanding the political implications can inform policies and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. For example: Analysts might draw incorrect conclusions about the reasons behind the curators’ choices. Additionally, the data may inaccurately represent the diversity of thought and experience within a community. This can lead to an oversimplified view of the community, ignoring the varied perspectives that exist. Also, if policymakers or decision-makers rely on such data, they may implement policies or make decisions that do not address the actual needs or preferences of the individuals within the community.

While visualizations show connections between participants’ music choices and create communities of similar responses, they may not fully capture the reasons behind these choices. Reflecting on what data is missing, assumed, or misinterpreted, and considering the reasons for “null” choices, reveals important insights into the political implications of such groupings.

For those like myself, that did not look into Track 4 or Track 27, and just went off the songs available on the aforementioned YouTube link, I have since listened to the missing two tracks and feel that my list may have changed.  Here are the two missing tracks.