December 2004 brought Whyville a new Whyology Survey. Whyology is a
study into... Whyville! I wanted to know more about it, so I decided to interview
one of our resident Whyologists, themis.
Can you give us a brief description of Whyology from your point of
view (what you're doing, what it's for, etc.)?
We are looking to see what Whyvillians like to do on the site. We want to see
what science activities you like, where you prefer to hang out, and what you
chat about. Through this study, we are hoping to find out what features of Whyville
help you learn science.
What is your job on the Whyology team?
Part of the study is being conducted in a school and in after-school clubs,
and I work with the children there. Many of them are new to Whyville, so please
-- be nice to the newbies! They are very excited to be joining your community.
Can you tell us what you will be doing in the future?
We will be looking at the results of the surveys from the Whyology study to
see how Whyville helps you understand science.
What is the main thing that you (the Whyologists) are looking
at on Whyville?
Mainly, we want to see how Whyville helps Whyvillians understand science.
According to the article by dfeldon, we might see you around.
If we do see you, will you be chatting or doing Whyology-related stuff?
We will be chatting with people and hanging out to see what Whyvillians like
to do. You will be able to recognize us by our Whyologist hats; they're purple
and have yellow question marks on them. Feel free to talk to us!
How many Whyologists are there on the Whyology team?
There are several of us including UCLA professors, graduate students, a teacher,
and even people from the Whyville City Management!
So, what are your first impressions of Whyille?
Whyville is a very fun place to be, and there are a lot of very nice Whyvillians!
My favorite game is the Skater Game, but I like looking at the House of Illusions,
and finding the aliens, too.
Any other comments?
If you are interested in participating in the Whyology study (and getting a
free Why-Pass and a chance to earn 1,000 clams!), go to the Why Center and click
on "Whyology Center". You can sign up there.
Thank you, themis!
While the original deadline has passed for people to sign up for Whyology,
the good news is that the Whyologists have extended the sign up for another
5 days! Talk with your parents and convince them to sign you up by January 21
-- it's for the good of science, for the good of Whyology, and for your own
good too! :-)
I hope all of you enjoy Whyology (and me if my permission slip has made it
in) and that you've learned more about the behind-the-scenes action there.
Thanks for reading,
Cobd, *insert witty ending here*
Author's Note: So who would win at Science Trivia:
City Worker Neutral or Whyologist themis?
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