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The Effect of Avatar Behaviors in Health Interventions: Examining Immediacy and Communicator Reward Value Through Expectancy Violations Theory in Virtual Environments

Vang, Mao H.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1337884820

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Communication.
Three out of five U.S. adults search the Internet for health information, and about one out of ten seek others who have similar health issues. Users can gather information and connect with others through virtual environments. This research tested the effect of the expectancy violations theory through immediacy and communicator reward value on evaluations of a virtual counselor during a health intervention. Participants (N = 91) interacted with a high or low reward communicator in Second Life who engaged in positive or negative immediacy behaviors. The participant’s perception of positive immediacy in the high reward virtual counselor increased evaluations of trust. For the low reward communicator, perceptions of positive immediacy increased evaluations caring and goodwill. These findings are partially consistent with expectancy violations theory. Belief in the virtual representation’s agency increased positive evaluations of the virtual counselor. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Jesse Fox (Advisor)
Brad Bushman (Committee Member)
Brandon Van Der Heide (Committee Member)
Communication
virtual environments; expectancy violations theory; immediacy; communicator reward; presence; avatars; agents; health

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Vang, M. H. (2012). The Effect of Avatar Behaviors in Health Interventions: Examining Immediacy and Communicator Reward Value Through Expectancy Violations Theory in Virtual Environments [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1337884820

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Vang, Mao. The Effect of Avatar Behaviors in Health Interventions: Examining Immediacy and Communicator Reward Value Through Expectancy Violations Theory in Virtual Environments. 2012. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1337884820.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Vang, Mao. "The Effect of Avatar Behaviors in Health Interventions: Examining Immediacy and Communicator Reward Value Through Expectancy Violations Theory in Virtual Environments." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1337884820

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.