Refer to the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication (Apr. 2004) study to compare relational intimacy in people interacting via computer-mediated communication (CMC) to people meeting face-to-face (FTF), Exercise 8.42. Recall that a relational intimacy score was measured (on a 7-point scale) for each participant after each of three different meeting sessions. The researchers also hypothesized that the mean relational intimacy score for participants in the CMC group will significantly increase between the first and third meetings, but the difference between the first and third meetings will not significantly change for participants in the FTF group.

a. For the CMC group comparison, give the null and alternative hypotheses of interest.

b. The researchers made the comparison, part a, using a paired t test. Explain why the data should be analyzed as matched pairs.

c. For the CMC group comparison, the reported test statistic was t = 3.04 with p-value = .003. Interpret these results. Is the researchers’ hypothesis supported?

d. For the FTF group comparison, give the null and alternative hypotheses of interest.

e. For the FTF group comparison, the reported test statistic was t = .39 with p-value = .70. Interpret these results. Is the researchers’ hypothesis supported?

Data from Exercise 8.42

Computer mediated communication (CMC) is a form of interaction that heavily involves technology (e.g., instant messaging, email). A study was conducted to compare relational intimacy in people interacting via CMC to people meeting face-to-face (FTF). (Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Apr. 2004.) Participants were 48 undergraduate students, of which half were randomly assigned to the CMC group and half assigned to the FTF group. Each group was given a task that required communication with their group members. Those in the CMC group communicated using the “chat” mode of instant-messaging software; those in the FTF group met in a conference room. The variable of interest, relational intimacy score, was measured (on a 7-point scale) for each participant after each of three different meeting sessions. Summary statistics for the first meeting session are given here. The researchers hypothesized that, after the first meeting, the mean relational intimacy score for participants in the CMC group would be lower than the mean relational intimacy score for participants in the FTF group.

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CMC FTF Number of Participants 24 24 Sample Mean 3.54 3.53 Standard Deviation .49 .38