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Buncher Thesis_05_07_13 Final.pdf (630.89 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Effects of Video Game Difficulty Selection on Flow Experience

Buncher, Michael W
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1367960949

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Applied Communication Theory and Methodology, Cleveland State University, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
This study investigates selective exposure and video gameplay by borrowing methods employed in previous selective exposure studies on television and the Internet. Also studied was the impact of mood-managing behaviors on the experience of flow, both of which are concerned with affective homeostasis. It was predicted that participants manipulated to experience stress would select easier difficulty levels and play at a slower pace than those who experienced boredom. Means of manipulated groups were consistently in the predicted positions, but there was limited support for hypotheses derived from selective exposure. A negative relationship between self-reported boredom and difficulty selection was counter to predictions derived from selective exposure, but a negative relationship between self-reports of stress and rate of play supported such predictions. Finally, there was limited evidence that flow experience was delayed due to mood-managing behaviors. These mixed findings are discussed and future research directions are recommended.
Cheryl Bracken, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Gary Pettey, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Elizabeth Babin, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
65 p.
Communication
mood management; selective exposure; flow

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Buncher, M. W. (2013). The Effects of Video Game Difficulty Selection on Flow Experience [Master's thesis, Cleveland State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1367960949

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Buncher, Michael. The Effects of Video Game Difficulty Selection on Flow Experience. 2013. Cleveland State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1367960949.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Buncher, Michael. "The Effects of Video Game Difficulty Selection on Flow Experience." Master's thesis, Cleveland State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1367960949

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

csu1367960949
592
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Cleveland State University and OhioLINK.