Abstract
A ‘standard’ simultaneous response mode of computer-mediated real-time conferencing was compared to a sequential response mode in order to examine whether deficiences in the former were responsible for earlier observations of arousal and disinhibited behavior of participants towards one another. Twenty four discussions of twelve groups of three and the responses on a postexperimental “preferences-difficulties” questionnaire were analyzed. It was found that both the modes have deficiences which could contribute to arousal and disinhibition. Main deficiences of the simultaneous and sequential modes are identified and discussed. Recommendations for design of conference software based on the analyses are suggested.
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