Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specif... more Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specifically in the status messages of the social network site Facebook, to communicate in both a mass and an interpersonal medium. A total of 204 status messages created by 46 participants were captured 3 times daily over 14 consecutive days. Content analysis of these data revealed that status messages were most frequently constructed with expressive speech acts, followed by assertives. Additionally, humor was integrated into ...
The Editor is extremely grateful to the Editorial Board for their incisive work and support since... more The Editor is extremely grateful to the Editorial Board for their incisive work and support since conveying the last expression of appreciation in Vol. 27 Issue 4, 2008 as well as to Sulakshana Pandita, our Production Editor, for her assiduous attention to detail and caring, effervescent spirit. We are also very grateful to the many external reviewers who have generously given of their time, energy, insight, and experience since that last occasion:
Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specif... more Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specifically in the status messages of the social network site Facebook, to communicate in both a mass and an interpersonal medium. A total of 204 status messages created by 46 participants were captured 3 times daily over 14 consecutive days. Content analysis of these data revealed that status messages were most frequently constructed with expressive speech acts, followed by assertives.
Abstract This work explores impacts of communication technologies on interpersonal affiliation an... more Abstract This work explores impacts of communication technologies on interpersonal affiliation and gaming experience of gamers who play massively multiplayer online roleplaying games. Although World of Warcraft (WoW) can be played independently, to accomplish end-game objectives players typically collaborate in groups of 5 to 25 by enacting different group roles (Nardi & Harris, 2006; Williams et al., 2006).
My thanks must start with Dr. Pete Ross, my advisor and confidant. Thank you for spending so much... more My thanks must start with Dr. Pete Ross, my advisor and confidant. Thank you for spending so much time on this damn Yankee, even when you didn't have to. Your ability to read and re-read, while continuing to give valuable suggestion and guidance, even when you were 'off the clock,'made this process much easier and more painless than it may have been. Your dedication took this thesis across the pond, through nine time zones, and intertwined with your own frantic schedule.
Abstract Technology may play a significant role in the 2008 presidential election. Social network... more Abstract Technology may play a significant role in the 2008 presidential election. Social network sites such as Facebook allow users to share their political beliefs, support specific candidates, and engage in interaction with others about political issues. But do the political activities users perform on Facebook affect political participation among young voters, a group traditionally perceived as apathetic in regards to civic engagement?
To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model o... more To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model of student learning via interactive web tools and theorized three sources of influence: interpersonal, intrapersonal, and masspersonal. Three-hundred thirty-seven students observed an online lecture and then completed a series of scales. Structural equation modeling supported several individual hypotheses and partially supported the overall model. Findings indicated that instructor credibility has a significant positive effect on content area knowledge, whereas social identification with online colearners has a negative effect on learning outcomes. Findings are discussed with respect to both theoretical and practical implications of the integration of interactive media as a classroom resource.
The hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication (CMC) suggests manners by which online... more The hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication (CMC) suggests manners by which online communication transforms relational communication and self-perception. Criticism of the model includes concerns over the linkage among its four theoretical components. Recent research on identity shift in CMC suggests that senders' online selective self-presentation provides sufficient dynamics to modify individuals' personality following an online identity performance. The present research extends these findings by ...
Abstract To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initia... more Abstract To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model of student learning via interactive web tools and theorized three sources of influence: interpersonal, intrapersonal, and masspersonal. Three-hundred thirty-seven students observed an online lecture and then completed a series of scales. Structural equation modeling supported several individual hypotheses and partially supported the overall model. Findings indicated that instructor credibility has a significant positive effect ...
The growing ubiquity of mobile telephony able to send e-mail raises new questions, and renews old... more The growing ubiquity of mobile telephony able to send e-mail raises new questions, and renews old issues, about the effect of the medium on a message. This article reports experimental results testing effects of user- and medium-generated cues on perceptions of message senders. Grounded in warranting theory, we assess the interaction of low- and high-warrant cues on perceptions of the sender's professionalism, hypothesizing senders of grammatically accurate messages are perceived as more credible. However, we also hypothesize an interaction between grammatical accuracy and the system-generated high-warrant cues from the mobile device used to send the message. Responses from 111 students assessing the credibility of an e-mail sender indicate that, although a message's user-generated content (grammatically accurate vs. erred) influences receiver's perceptions, negative attributions are attenuated by cues reflecting the transmission medium (i.e., a message's mobile signature block). Findings offer theoretical implications for warranting theory. Additionally, results suggest practitioners need to craft a message and indicate the transmission medium strategically to mitigate any impacts on attributions of professionalism to message receivers.
This research explores a sequence of effects pertaining to the influence of relational goals on o... more This research explores a sequence of effects pertaining to the influence of relational goals on online information seeking, the use of information and arguments as relational management strategies in computer-mediated chat, and the intrapersonal attitude change resulting from these processes. Affinity versus disaffinity goals affected participants' information seeking for communicatory utility (Atkin, 1972), their conversational behaviors, and their own attitudes toward the topic and partner. People with negative relational goals used the Web to seek information for discussions more than affinity-goal participants. Individuals expressed affinity-disaffinity through arguments, agreements, and disagreements with partners' preferences, which led to changes in their own attitudes. Findings suggest renewed consideration of the interplay between mass media and interpersonal sources accessible on the Internet.Wirkungen von interpersonalen Zielen auf versehentlichen interpersonalen Einfluss bei computervermittelter KommunikationJoseph B. Walther, Brandon Van Der Heide, Stephanie Tom Tong, Caleb T. Carr, Charles K. AtkinDie Untersuchung befasst sich mit einer Reihe von Effekten zum Einfluss von Beziehungszielen auf die Online-Informationssuche, die Nutzung von Informationen und Argumenten als Beziehungsmanagementstrategien bei computervermittelten Chats und intrapersonaler Einstellungsänderung, die aus diesen Prozessen resultiert. Affinitäts- vs. Nichtaffinitätsziele beeinflussten die Suche der Teilnehmer nach Informationen zur Kommunikationsnützlichkeit (Atkin, 1972), ihr Konversationsverhalten und ihre Einstellungen zum Thema und Partner. Menschen mit negativen Beziehungszielen nutzten das Web häufiger zur Suche nach Informationen für Diskussionen als Affinitätsziel-Teilnehmer. Personen drückten ihre Affinität/Nichtaffinität durch Argumente, Zustimmung und Ablehnung der Partnerpräferenzen aus, welche dazu führten, dass sich die eigenen Einstellungen änderten. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf eine erneuerte Betrachtung des Zusammenspiels aus Massenmedien und interpersonalen Internetquellen hin.2Schlüsselbegriffe: computervermittelte Kommunikation, kommunikative Nützlichkeit, Beziehungskommunikation, Selbstwahrnehmung, intrapersonaler Einfluss, Informationssuche.Les effets des buts interpersonnels sur l’influence intrapersonnelle non intentionnelle en communication médiée par ordinateurJoseph B. Walther Department of Communication Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State University Brandon Van Der Heide School of Communication Ohio State UniversityStephanie Tom Tong Department of Communication Michigan State University Caleb T. Carr Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State University Charles K. Atkin Department of Communication Michigan State UniversityAuthors’ note: The authors are grateful to three anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions. RésuméCette étude explore une séquence d’effets concernant l’influence des buts relationnels sur la recherche d’informations en ligne, l’utilisation d’informations et d’arguments comme stratégies de gestion de la relation dans les conversations électroniques et les changements d’attitudes intrapersonnelles résultant de ces processus. Des buts d’affinité ou de non-affinité ont influencé les participants dans leurs recherches d’informations d’utilité communicationnelle (Atkin, 1972), dans leurs comportements conversationnels ainsi que dans leurs propres attitudes à l’égard du sujet et du partenaire de conversation. Les gens visant des buts relationnels négatifs utilisaient le web pour chercher de l’information en prévision des discussions plus que ne le faisaient les participants aux buts positifs. Les personnes ont exprimé de l’affinité ou de la non-affinité dans les arguments ainsi que dans les accords et désaccords avec les préférences de leurs partenaires, ce qui les a menés à changer leurs propres attitudes. Les résultats invitent à revoir l’interaction entre les médias de masse et les sources interpersonnelles disponibles sur Internet.Mots clés : communication médiée par ordinateur, utilité communicationnelle, communication relationnelle, perception de soi, influence intrapersonnelle, recherche d’informationsLos Efectos de los Objetivos Interpersonales sobre la Influencia Intrapersonal Inadvertida enLa Comunicación Mediada por la ComputadoraJoseph B. Walther Department of Communication Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State UniversityBrandon Van Der Heide School of Communication Ohio State UniversityStephanie Tom Tong Department of Communication Michigan State UniversityCaleb T. Carr Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State UniversityCharles K. Atkin Department of Communication Michigan State UniversityResumenEsta investigación explora una secuencia de efectos relacionados con la influencia de los objetivos de relación en la búsqueda de información online, el uso de información y los argumentos como estrategias de manejo de relaciones en las conversaciones por medio de la computadora, y el cambio de actitud intrapersonal resultante en estos procesos. Los objetivos de afinidad versus los de diferencia afectaron la búsqueda de información y la utilidad de su comunicación entre los participantes (Atkin, 1972), sus comportamientos conversacionales, y sus opiniones propias acerca de un tema y de su compañero. La gente con objetivos de relación negativos usaron la Web para buscar información sobre las discusiones más que los participantes con objetivos de afinidad. Los individuos expresaron su afinidad/diferencia a través de argumentos, acuerdos, y desacuerdos con las preferencias de sus compañeros, lo cual llevó a cambios en sus propias actitudes. Los hallazgos sugieren una consideración renovada de la intersección entre los medios de comunicación y las fuentes interpersonales accesibles por el Internet.Palabras claves: Comunicación mediada por la computadora; utilidad de la comunicación y comunicación sobre la relación; auto-percepción; influencia intrapersonal; búsqueda de información
Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specif... more Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specifically in the status messages of the social network site Facebook, to communicate in both a mass and an interpersonal medium. A total of 204 status messages created by 46 participants were captured 3 times daily over 14 consecutive days. Content analysis of these data revealed that status messages were most frequently constructed with expressive speech acts, followed by assertives. Additionally, humor was integrated into ...
The Editor is extremely grateful to the Editorial Board for their incisive work and support since... more The Editor is extremely grateful to the Editorial Board for their incisive work and support since conveying the last expression of appreciation in Vol. 27 Issue 4, 2008 as well as to Sulakshana Pandita, our Production Editor, for her assiduous attention to detail and caring, effervescent spirit. We are also very grateful to the many external reviewers who have generously given of their time, energy, insight, and experience since that last occasion:
Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specif... more Abstract This research examines the use of speech acts in computer-mediated communication, specifically in the status messages of the social network site Facebook, to communicate in both a mass and an interpersonal medium. A total of 204 status messages created by 46 participants were captured 3 times daily over 14 consecutive days. Content analysis of these data revealed that status messages were most frequently constructed with expressive speech acts, followed by assertives.
Abstract This work explores impacts of communication technologies on interpersonal affiliation an... more Abstract This work explores impacts of communication technologies on interpersonal affiliation and gaming experience of gamers who play massively multiplayer online roleplaying games. Although World of Warcraft (WoW) can be played independently, to accomplish end-game objectives players typically collaborate in groups of 5 to 25 by enacting different group roles (Nardi & Harris, 2006; Williams et al., 2006).
My thanks must start with Dr. Pete Ross, my advisor and confidant. Thank you for spending so much... more My thanks must start with Dr. Pete Ross, my advisor and confidant. Thank you for spending so much time on this damn Yankee, even when you didn't have to. Your ability to read and re-read, while continuing to give valuable suggestion and guidance, even when you were 'off the clock,'made this process much easier and more painless than it may have been. Your dedication took this thesis across the pond, through nine time zones, and intertwined with your own frantic schedule.
Abstract Technology may play a significant role in the 2008 presidential election. Social network... more Abstract Technology may play a significant role in the 2008 presidential election. Social network sites such as Facebook allow users to share their political beliefs, support specific candidates, and engage in interaction with others about political issues. But do the political activities users perform on Facebook affect political participation among young voters, a group traditionally perceived as apathetic in regards to civic engagement?
To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model o... more To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model of student learning via interactive web tools and theorized three sources of influence: interpersonal, intrapersonal, and masspersonal. Three-hundred thirty-seven students observed an online lecture and then completed a series of scales. Structural equation modeling supported several individual hypotheses and partially supported the overall model. Findings indicated that instructor credibility has a significant positive effect on content area knowledge, whereas social identification with online colearners has a negative effect on learning outcomes. Findings are discussed with respect to both theoretical and practical implications of the integration of interactive media as a classroom resource.
The hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication (CMC) suggests manners by which online... more The hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication (CMC) suggests manners by which online communication transforms relational communication and self-perception. Criticism of the model includes concerns over the linkage among its four theoretical components. Recent research on identity shift in CMC suggests that senders' online selective self-presentation provides sufficient dynamics to modify individuals' personality following an online identity performance. The present research extends these findings by ...
Abstract To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initia... more Abstract To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model of student learning via interactive web tools and theorized three sources of influence: interpersonal, intrapersonal, and masspersonal. Three-hundred thirty-seven students observed an online lecture and then completed a series of scales. Structural equation modeling supported several individual hypotheses and partially supported the overall model. Findings indicated that instructor credibility has a significant positive effect ...
The growing ubiquity of mobile telephony able to send e-mail raises new questions, and renews old... more The growing ubiquity of mobile telephony able to send e-mail raises new questions, and renews old issues, about the effect of the medium on a message. This article reports experimental results testing effects of user- and medium-generated cues on perceptions of message senders. Grounded in warranting theory, we assess the interaction of low- and high-warrant cues on perceptions of the sender's professionalism, hypothesizing senders of grammatically accurate messages are perceived as more credible. However, we also hypothesize an interaction between grammatical accuracy and the system-generated high-warrant cues from the mobile device used to send the message. Responses from 111 students assessing the credibility of an e-mail sender indicate that, although a message's user-generated content (grammatically accurate vs. erred) influences receiver's perceptions, negative attributions are attenuated by cues reflecting the transmission medium (i.e., a message's mobile signature block). Findings offer theoretical implications for warranting theory. Additionally, results suggest practitioners need to craft a message and indicate the transmission medium strategically to mitigate any impacts on attributions of professionalism to message receivers.
This research explores a sequence of effects pertaining to the influence of relational goals on o... more This research explores a sequence of effects pertaining to the influence of relational goals on online information seeking, the use of information and arguments as relational management strategies in computer-mediated chat, and the intrapersonal attitude change resulting from these processes. Affinity versus disaffinity goals affected participants' information seeking for communicatory utility (Atkin, 1972), their conversational behaviors, and their own attitudes toward the topic and partner. People with negative relational goals used the Web to seek information for discussions more than affinity-goal participants. Individuals expressed affinity-disaffinity through arguments, agreements, and disagreements with partners' preferences, which led to changes in their own attitudes. Findings suggest renewed consideration of the interplay between mass media and interpersonal sources accessible on the Internet.Wirkungen von interpersonalen Zielen auf versehentlichen interpersonalen Einfluss bei computervermittelter KommunikationJoseph B. Walther, Brandon Van Der Heide, Stephanie Tom Tong, Caleb T. Carr, Charles K. AtkinDie Untersuchung befasst sich mit einer Reihe von Effekten zum Einfluss von Beziehungszielen auf die Online-Informationssuche, die Nutzung von Informationen und Argumenten als Beziehungsmanagementstrategien bei computervermittelten Chats und intrapersonaler Einstellungsänderung, die aus diesen Prozessen resultiert. Affinitäts- vs. Nichtaffinitätsziele beeinflussten die Suche der Teilnehmer nach Informationen zur Kommunikationsnützlichkeit (Atkin, 1972), ihr Konversationsverhalten und ihre Einstellungen zum Thema und Partner. Menschen mit negativen Beziehungszielen nutzten das Web häufiger zur Suche nach Informationen für Diskussionen als Affinitätsziel-Teilnehmer. Personen drückten ihre Affinität/Nichtaffinität durch Argumente, Zustimmung und Ablehnung der Partnerpräferenzen aus, welche dazu führten, dass sich die eigenen Einstellungen änderten. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf eine erneuerte Betrachtung des Zusammenspiels aus Massenmedien und interpersonalen Internetquellen hin.2Schlüsselbegriffe: computervermittelte Kommunikation, kommunikative Nützlichkeit, Beziehungskommunikation, Selbstwahrnehmung, intrapersonaler Einfluss, Informationssuche.Les effets des buts interpersonnels sur l’influence intrapersonnelle non intentionnelle en communication médiée par ordinateurJoseph B. Walther Department of Communication Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State University Brandon Van Der Heide School of Communication Ohio State UniversityStephanie Tom Tong Department of Communication Michigan State University Caleb T. Carr Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State University Charles K. Atkin Department of Communication Michigan State UniversityAuthors’ note: The authors are grateful to three anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions. RésuméCette étude explore une séquence d’effets concernant l’influence des buts relationnels sur la recherche d’informations en ligne, l’utilisation d’informations et d’arguments comme stratégies de gestion de la relation dans les conversations électroniques et les changements d’attitudes intrapersonnelles résultant de ces processus. Des buts d’affinité ou de non-affinité ont influencé les participants dans leurs recherches d’informations d’utilité communicationnelle (Atkin, 1972), dans leurs comportements conversationnels ainsi que dans leurs propres attitudes à l’égard du sujet et du partenaire de conversation. Les gens visant des buts relationnels négatifs utilisaient le web pour chercher de l’information en prévision des discussions plus que ne le faisaient les participants aux buts positifs. Les personnes ont exprimé de l’affinité ou de la non-affinité dans les arguments ainsi que dans les accords et désaccords avec les préférences de leurs partenaires, ce qui les a menés à changer leurs propres attitudes. Les résultats invitent à revoir l’interaction entre les médias de masse et les sources interpersonnelles disponibles sur Internet.Mots clés : communication médiée par ordinateur, utilité communicationnelle, communication relationnelle, perception de soi, influence intrapersonnelle, recherche d’informationsLos Efectos de los Objetivos Interpersonales sobre la Influencia Intrapersonal Inadvertida enLa Comunicación Mediada por la ComputadoraJoseph B. Walther Department of Communication Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State UniversityBrandon Van Der Heide School of Communication Ohio State UniversityStephanie Tom Tong Department of Communication Michigan State UniversityCaleb T. Carr Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media Michigan State UniversityCharles K. Atkin Department of Communication Michigan State UniversityResumenEsta investigación explora una secuencia de efectos relacionados con la influencia de los objetivos de relación en la búsqueda de información online, el uso de información y los argumentos como estrategias de manejo de relaciones en las conversaciones por medio de la computadora, y el cambio de actitud intrapersonal resultante en estos procesos. Los objetivos de afinidad versus los de diferencia afectaron la búsqueda de información y la utilidad de su comunicación entre los participantes (Atkin, 1972), sus comportamientos conversacionales, y sus opiniones propias acerca de un tema y de su compañero. La gente con objetivos de relación negativos usaron la Web para buscar información sobre las discusiones más que los participantes con objetivos de afinidad. Los individuos expresaron su afinidad/diferencia a través de argumentos, acuerdos, y desacuerdos con las preferencias de sus compañeros, lo cual llevó a cambios en sus propias actitudes. Los hallazgos sugieren una consideración renovada de la intersección entre los medios de comunicación y las fuentes interpersonales accesibles por el Internet.Palabras claves: Comunicación mediada por la computadora; utilidad de la comunicación y comunicación sobre la relación; auto-percepción; influencia intrapersonal; búsqueda de información
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