Module 1A
Understanding how humans interact with each other via computing technology, such as phones and robots
BONUS (200pts): Name 2 reasons why we should study this.
Computer-mediated communication
Editability
Technology affects all humans in a uniform manner, and humans have zero control over this.
BONUS (100pts): Describe utopian vs. dystopian
Technological determinism
The "impoverished" view of CMC, characterized by the loss of non-verbal cues and thus, loss of communication functions
Cues filtered out theories
Social scientific theory
How much a communicator is identifiable to others in their interaction space
BONUS (200pts): Name a specific situation where this is very important
Anonymity
Features of technology that affect how individuals interact with each other and how they can accomplish their goals
BONUS (200pts): Provide a reason why CMC researchers study this instead of specific platforms
Affordances
Although technology has effects on users, users also have agency to repurpose technology to suit their own needs, regardless of how this technology was originally designed to be used
Social shaping of technology
Using data from surveys, experiments, or content analyses to provide support for one's hypotheses and test theories
Quantitative research methods
In some situations, CMC can allow people to form more intense relationships (whether positive or negative) than face-to-face communication.
BONUS (600pts): Explain why this happens
The hyperpersonal model
The physical distance between communicators in an interaction setting
Proxemics
In the Van Gelder article, Alex pretends to be Joan online.
Deception
Electricity, cars, stove, fridges, microwaves
Domesticated technology
A channel's ability to carry non-verbal cues, such as body language and vocalics
BONUS (300pts): Explain how this is related to cold, task-oriented, or even hostile interactions on CMC
Bandwidth
The outcomes of CMC can be similar to face-to-face interactions, given enough time
Social information processing theory
Gently touching your friend's hand when they are devastated about losing their precious pet rock
Haptics
What scent or smell an interactant has, such as their perfume or body odor
Olfaction
The government funds projects that lead to the creation of technologies, thus deciding which technologies get created and which do not
Social construction of technology (SCOT)
The theory behind the telephone attractiveness study
BONUS (400pts): Explain what happened in the study
Behavioral confirmation
The use of interviews, focus groups, participant observations, or ethnographies to generate insight into human behavior
Qualitative research methods