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International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
Volume 61, Issue 3, September 2004, Pages 237-258
 
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doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2003.12.008    How to Cite or Link Using DOI (Opens New Window)
Copyright © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experience as a moderator of the media equation: the impact of flattery and praise

Daniel JohnsonCorresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author, a, John Gardnerb and Janet Wilesa

a School of ITEE, University of Queensland, GPS Building (no. 78), St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia b School of Business, University of Queensland, Australia

Received 31 March 2003; 
accepted 8 December 2003. 
Available online 12 February 2004.

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Abstract

This study extends previous media equation research, which showed that the effects of flattery from a computer can produce the same general effects as flattery from humans. Specifically, the study explored the potential moderating effect of experience on the impact of flattery from a computer. One hundred and fifty-eight students from the University of Queensland voluntarily participated in the study. Participants interacted with a computer and were exposed to one of three kinds of feedback: praise (sincere praise), flattery (insincere praise), or control (generic feedback). Questionnaire measures assessing participants’ affective state, attitudes and opinions were taken. Participants of high experience, but not low experience, displayed a media equation pattern of results, reacting to flattery from a computer in a manner congruent with peoples’ reactions to flattery from other humans. High experience participants tended to believe that the computer spoke the truth, experienced more positive affect as a result of flattery, and judged the computer's performance more favourably. These findings are interpreted in light of previous research and the implications for software design in fields such as entertainment and education are considered.

Article Outline

1. Affective computing and the media equation
2. Explanations for the media equation
3. Flattery
4. Experience
5. The current study
6. Method
6.1. Participants
6.2. Procedure
6.3. Manipulation
6.4. Measures
6.5. Scale development
7. Results
7.1. Analysis one—generic feedback versus flattery/praise
7.2. Analysis two—flattery versus praise
7.3. Results consistent with the media equation
8. Discussion
8.1. Extensions to prior research
8.2. Relevance
8.3. Alternative explanations
8.4. Future research
8.5. Conclusions
References









 
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