Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects
Date of Award
3-30-2016
Document Type
Honors Paper
Degree Name
Psychology-BS
Department
Psychology
Advisor
Dr. Noam Shpancer
First Committee Member
Dr. Michele Acker
Second Committee Member
Dr. Meredith Frey
Keywords
Virtual identity, Social identity, Group dynamics, Personality
Subject Categories
Social Psychology
Abstract
As individuals find more of their social identity defined in the virtual sphere, it is important to understand the functions and structures of virtual communities. Yet, a comprehensive comparison between virtual groups and traditional groups has yet to be conducted. This study investigated structural and functional differences and similarities between virtual and traditional communities. Participants (N = 63) in four groups (traditional social/virtual social and traditional professional/virtual professional) were compared on measures of function (as defined by their self-definition and self-investment) and structure (as defined by their personality traits). Three hypotheses were tested: 1. Virtual and traditional groups would not differ significantly in function. 2. Virtual and traditional groups would differ significantly in structure. 3. Professional communities will display higher levels of social identity in both virtual and traditional comparisons. Results are presented and discussed.
Recommended Citation
Jurgens, Christopher T., "Socializing in the Internet Age: A Comparison of Virtual and Traditional Groups in Terms of Self-Definition, Self-Investment, and Personality" (2016). Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects. 44.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_honor/44