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osu1338315662.pdf (462.79 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
An Inefficient Choice: An Empirical Test of Media Richness and Electronic Propinquity
Author Info
Dickinson, Ted Michael
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338315662
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2012, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Communication.
Abstract
Media richness theory is frequently cited when discussing the strengths of various media in allowing for immediate feedback, personalization of messages, the ability to use natural language, and transmission of nonverbal cues. Most studies do not, however, address the theory’s main argument that people faced with equivocal message tasks will complete those tasks faster by choosing interpersonal communication media with these features. Participants in the present study either chose or were assigned to a medium and then timed on their completion of an equivocal message task. Findings support media richness theory’s prediction; those using videoconferencing to complete the task did so in less time than those using the leaner medium of text chat. Measures of electronic propinquity, a theory proposing a sense of psychological nearness to others in a mediated communication, were also tested as a potential adjunct to media richness theory’s predictions of medium selection, with mixed results.
Committee
Jesse Fox, PhD (Advisor)
Brandon van der Heide, PhD (Committee Member)
Subject Headings
Communication
Keywords
media richness
;
electronic propinquity
;
media selection
;
computer-mediated communication
;
nonverbal cues
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Citations
Dickinson, T. M. (2012).
An Inefficient Choice: An Empirical Test of Media Richness and Electronic Propinquity
[Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338315662
APA Style (7th edition)
Dickinson, Ted.
An Inefficient Choice: An Empirical Test of Media Richness and Electronic Propinquity.
2012. Ohio State University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338315662.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Dickinson, Ted. "An Inefficient Choice: An Empirical Test of Media Richness and Electronic Propinquity." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1338315662
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
osu1338315662
Download Count:
3,112
Copyright Info
© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.