Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
In this study, the effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) were examined on two different measurements of self-disclosure. The hypothesis was that CMC is qualitatively different from face-to-face communication (FtF), that this difference affects self-disclosure, and that the anonymity engendered by CMC is one cause of this increase in self-disclosure. Therefore, the researcher examined how prominently anonymity factored into the difference that was observed between dyads that communicated in FtF or CMC conditions. The experiment employed a 2 X 2 factorial design by which participants engaged in a conversation using either computer conferencing technology or FtF, and in which the participant was either anonymous or non-anonymous. The overall number of self-disclosures was recorded and examined separately. The level of self-disclosure in each of these conditions was coded by independent raters and examined separately. The analysis of number of self disclosures revealed that dyads who interacted FtF had a significantly greater number of selfdisclosures than individuals who interacted through CMC. Analysis of level of self disclosure showed no significant results. Discussion addressed the inconsistency between hypothesized results and observed results, and proposed a direction for future research.
Recommended Citation
Green, Scott C., "Computer -Mediated Communication In Society: A Study On Self -Disclosure" (2006). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 976.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/976