Oral Presentations
Location
Schewel 208
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
26
Start Date
4-6-2022 1:45 PM
End Date
4-6-2022 2:00 PM
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Communication via online methods has increased in popularity over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While convenient, there are many downfalls to computer mediated communication (CMC) including an increased risk of misinterpreting a message. The present study aimed to determine the effects of communication medium and speaker gender on tone interpretation and emotional reactions. The medium of CMC (email, phone call, video call) and gender of the speaker (male, female) were manipulated to test for differences in perceptions of tone. Participants also reported their own emotions following reception of the message. It was found that medium has a significant effect on positive and negative ratings of the speaker’s tone, with the email condition receiving the highest scores in both categories. Gender has a significant effect on negative ratings of speaker tone, with male speakers receiving higher negative ratings than female speakers. The two variables did not interact to modify ratings of speaker tone, but did interact to affect participants’ own positive mood. A female speaker communicating via email resulted in the most positive emotions reported by participants. Individuals utilizing CMC in the workplace should consider how medium and speaker gender affect both tone interpretation and emotional consequences.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. HlaingDr. Marciano
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Included in
Are They Mad at Me? Examining Methods of Communication and Emotional Attribution
Schewel 208
Communication via online methods has increased in popularity over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While convenient, there are many downfalls to computer mediated communication (CMC) including an increased risk of misinterpreting a message. The present study aimed to determine the effects of communication medium and speaker gender on tone interpretation and emotional reactions. The medium of CMC (email, phone call, video call) and gender of the speaker (male, female) were manipulated to test for differences in perceptions of tone. Participants also reported their own emotions following reception of the message. It was found that medium has a significant effect on positive and negative ratings of the speaker’s tone, with the email condition receiving the highest scores in both categories. Gender has a significant effect on negative ratings of speaker tone, with male speakers receiving higher negative ratings than female speakers. The two variables did not interact to modify ratings of speaker tone, but did interact to affect participants’ own positive mood. A female speaker communicating via email resulted in the most positive emotions reported by participants. Individuals utilizing CMC in the workplace should consider how medium and speaker gender affect both tone interpretation and emotional consequences.