Search

In a 2 (choice) X 2 (message format) study (N = 283), participants were randomly assigned to either have a choice or no choice in message format and to read either a narrative or a non-narrative. They then completed a quiz on the material. We examined whether dispositional tendency to become transported into a narrative (transportability) would increase learning from narrative material, and whether manipulations would affect quiz scores, satisfaction, or performance self-esteem. Choice led to higher quiz scores but did not improve satisfaction or performance self-esteem. Transportability did not predict participants' choice in material, but it was correlated with higher quiz scores for narrative readers. Findings suggest some educational benefit from choice and matching to narrative-relevant personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals differ in the extent to which they believe online communication can contribute to the growth of close relationships – a concept defined as the perceived reality of online interactions. Perceived reality may function as a self-fulfilling prophecy: individuals who have positive attitudes toward online interactions will make behavioral choices that lead to positive outcomes. A sample of 207 undergraduates was assigned to a hypothetical online or face-to-face interaction with a stranger. In the online condition, levels of perceived reality predicted willingness to self-disclose and to provide social support within the interaction, which in turn predicted positive expectations of the interaction's success. This research reinforces the importance of studying users' attitudes as predictors of the outcomes of online interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests a link between perspective-taking and the tendency to become immersed in narratives or literature. We extend that research by considering both individual differences and persuasion outcomes. Specifically, Mind-Reading Motivation (MRM) is an individual difference in the willingness to effortfully engage with other people's perspectives and mental states. Stories may be most influential when readers put themselves in the place of another person, even a fictional other. In Study 1, higher MRM was correlated with more fiction reading but not more nonfiction reading. Studies 2a and 2b demonstrated that higher MRM was associated with greater transportation into a narrative. We replicated this effect in Study 3, showing that MRM was associated with both higher transportation and narrative persuasion. The effect of MRM on persuasion is mediated by connections to the characters. This research helps identify which individuals are most likely to be persuaded by narrative communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Scholars have debated whether social networking websites provide valuable social connections or distract individuals from more rewarding real-life relationships. We propose that examining individual differences in one’s tendency to approach versus avoid the perspectives of other people can help resolve this issue: perspective curiosity and perspective defensiveness may predict different patterns of online behaviors. The present study uses a trait measure of Mind-Reading Motivation to assess the relationship of these tendencies with different categories of behaviors on Facebook. Results revealed that certain aspects of Facebook behavior (direct interactions with others over Facebook; Facebook as Real-life Supplement) were associated with approach motivation, a willingness to seek out others’ perspectives, while other aspects of Facebook behavior (Facebook-only Relationships; romantic relationship-seeking) were associated with a tendency to effortfully avoid others’ perspectives. Furthermore, openness to experience, but not extraversion, predicts Facebook behaviors above and beyond the effect of MRM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]