Social interaction in a virtual environment: Examining socio-spatial interactivity and social presence using behavioral analytics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2015
Publication Title
Computers in Human Behavior
Volume
51
First page number:
203
Last page number:
206
Abstract
A behavioral observation methodology was employed in this study to examine how social behavior unfolds within a virtual environment and to identify what might perpetuate this behavior. Partial interval recording sampling was used to code social interactions (Socio-Spatial Interactivity and Social Presence) that occurred between experienced World of Warcraft players during their game play. Given the bidirectional nature of social interactions, Socio-Spatial Interactivity and Social Presence variables (Affective Association, Community Cohesion, Interaction Intensity, and Knowledge & Experience) were employed as both dependent and independent variables in two separate sets of regression analyses. Findings suggest that a positive feedback loop exists between Socio-Spatial Interactivity and Social Presence. Based on these findings, the researchers discuss implications for designers and end-users of virtual environments.
Keywords
Social interaction; Social presence; Virtual environments; Avatar; Massively multiplayer online games; Immersion
Repository Citation
McCreery, M. P.,
Vallett, D. B.,
Clark, C.
(2015).
Social interaction in a virtual environment: Examining socio-spatial interactivity and social presence using behavioral analytics.
Computers in Human Behavior, 51
203-206.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.04.044