II. Nature of the Medium


Communication technology

Class session 2 (31 Jan)--Homework 1 due.

What kind of medium is this?

Class sessions

Nature of the text

  • Heim, M. (1987). Electric language. New Haven: Yale University Press. Chapter 7: pp. 192-224.
  • Tuman, M., Chapters 2 and 3: pp. 23 - 80.
  • Wilkins, H. (1991). Computer talk: Long-distance conversations by computer. Written Communication, 8, 56-78.
  • Ferrara, K., Brunner, H., & Whittemore, G. (1991). Interactive written discourses as an emergent register. Written Communication, 8, 8-34.

Nature of CMC relationships

  • Siegel, J. Dubrovsky, V. Kiesler, S., & McGuire, T. W. (1986). Group processes in computer-mediated communication. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes , 37, 157-187.
  • Trevino, L. K., Lengel, R. H., & Daft, R. L. (1987). Media symbolism, media richness, and media choice in organizations. Communication Research , 14, 553-574.
  • Schmitz, J., & Fulk, J. (1991). Organizational colleagues, media richness, and electronic mail: A test of the social influence model of technology use. Communication Research, 18, 487-523.
  • Fulk, J., Schmitz, J.A., & Schwarz, D. (1992). The dynamics of context-behavior interactions in computer-mediated communication. In M. Lea (Ed.) Contexts of computer-mediated communication (pp. 7--29). London: Harvester Wheatsheaf.
  • Lea, M., O'Shea, T., Fung, P., & Spears, R. (1992). Flaming in computer mediated communication. In M. Lea (Ed.) Contexts of computer-mediated communication (pp. 89-112). London: Harvester Wheatsheaf.
  • Walther, J. (1992). Interpersonal effects in computer-mediated interaction: A relational perspective. Communication Research, 19, 52-90.

How to use the medium in research

Short presentation and discussion.

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