Social Presence: Conceptualization and Measurement
Karel Kreijns1, Kate Xu1, Joshua Weidlich2
1Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open Universiteit, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 Heerlen, AT Netherlands.
Educational Psychology Review
|June 28, 2021
Summary
This study clarifies social presence in online learning by reformulating its definition and distinguishing it from sociability and social space. This aims to advance research on online group dynamics and learning outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Communication Studies
- Educational Technology
- Psychology
Background:
- Social presence is crucial for online group learning, influencing interactions and outcomes.
- Existing definitions and measures of social presence are inconsistent, hindering research coherence.
- The original social presence theory by Short et al. (1976) lacks clear operationalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reformulate the definition of social presence for better operationalization.
- To decouple social presence from technological determinism.
- To identify related constructs: sociability and social space.
Main Methods:
- Revisiting and disentangling the original social presence theory.
- Conceptual analysis and theoretical reformulation.
- Identifying and defining related constructs (sociability, social space).
Main Results:
- A reformulated, operationalizable definition of social presence.
- Distinction of social presence from medium attributes (sociability) and group attributes (social space).
- Challenging the technological determinism of social presence.
Conclusions:
- The reformulated definition and identified constructs contribute to a more coherent research field.
- Improved understanding of interpersonal communication in online learning.
- Enhanced insights into group dynamics and learning in online settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Introducing Social Perception
96
Perceiving others accurately is fundamental to effective communication and relationship-building. Social perception, a key concept in social psychology, refers to the cognitive processes through which individuals gather and interpret information about others to understand their actions, intentions, and motivations. This process extends beyond spoken words and overt behaviors, incorporating subtle nonverbal cues and contextual factors.Nonverbal Cues and Their SignificanceNonverbal cues play a...
96
01:25Self-Presentation
103
Self-presentation is a fundamental aspect of social interaction, shaping both how others perceive individuals and how they view themselves. This dynamic process influences behaviors in various social settings, often leading people to adjust their appearance, speech, and demeanor to align with their desired identity. While self-presentation can be deliberate or unconscious, it plays a critical role in interpersonal relationships and self-perception.Forms of Self-PresentationSelf-presentation can...
103
01:09Defining Social Psychology
161
Social psychology investigates how the presence and actions of others influence individual behavior, cognition, and emotion. Examining the social environment's impact provides a scientific framework for understanding how individuals perceive others and are, in turn, influenced by them. This field seeks to uncover the underlying principles guiding social interactions, exploring phenomena such as conformity, obedience, and prosocial behavior.Core Themes in Social PsychologyOne central focus of...
161
01:24Strategies of Self-Presentation III: Self-Monitoring
43
Self-monitoring is a central construct in understanding individual differences in self-presentation strategies across social contexts. It refers to how individuals observe, regulate, and control their expressive behavior and self-presentation following situational cues. Self-monitoring reflects a person's sensitivity to social appropriateness and willingness to adapt behavior to fit varying interpersonal demands.High vs. Low Self-Monitoring IndividualsIndividuals high in self-monitoring are...
43
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
53.5K
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
53.5K
01:30Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
45
Since the early 2000s, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has grown rapidly, playing a crucial role in self-development. A key distinction between CMC and real-life interactions is the lack of a physically present partner. This absence makes non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and paralinguistic signals unavailable in CMC platforms like email, instant messaging, or social media. The lack of these cues can create ambiguity and complicate how feedback is interpreted.The...
45