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An Inefficient Choice: An Empirical Test of Media Richness and Electronic Propinquity

Dickinson, Ted Michael

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Communication.
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.
Jesse Fox, PhD (Advisor)
Brandon van der Heide, PhD (Committee Member)

Recommended Citations

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)