Professors’ research shows cellphones distract from meaningful communication

It is not every day that students are asked by a professor to text on their cell phones during a research presentation, a technique utilized during the communication research colloquium. The event took place in the Joan B. Kroc School for Peace Studies theatre and rotunda during dead hours on Nov. 29 and showcased research findings from communication studies students and professors.

Jonathan Bowman and Roger Pace, professors of communication studies, presented their findings on cell phone usage, dual-tasking and conversation quality.

"Communication behaviors are a beautiful blend of predictable trends and unique occurrences," Pace said.

Pace's research, titled "Dualing With Cell Phones: Impact of Mobile Phones on Communication in a Wired Society," captivated the student viewers as a study that was both interesting and relevant to the entire audience. Their research measured how dual-tasking like texting or speaking on a cellphone while doing something else can affect communication.

"Verbal communication is less satisfying because people remember less, have less detailed conversation, less cognitively complex conversations, than those who are not dual-tasking," Pace said.

A major finding of the research was that the act of "switching" back and forth is troublesome and decreases the quality of communication.

Pace's presentation included lesser-known facts about the popularity of cell phone usage today, including that cell phone reception is now available at the top of Mt. Everest.

"People with AT&T can place a call from the top of Mt. Everest but they can't seem to do that from Camino Hall," Pace said.

Pace also challenged the students to take their cell phones and text a complex phrase to see if the audience could break the world record for the fastest text. Many students came close to the mark, demonstrating the prominence of texting in the lives of this generation's students.

Additionally, communication studies students have been working with and gathering data about various nonprofit organizations this semester in an attempt to better the nonprofits' approaches in gathering donations, encouraging participation and raising general awareness.

One project in particular worked with the nonprofit Homeaid SD that builds homes for individuals and families in need. Senior Shauna Riley explained her group's project as a way to help market the nonprofit to the college-aged demographic. In order to determine what means of marketing approaches would be most successful, her group distributed surveys and categorized their responses based on college majors. Riley's group found in comparing real estate, electrical engineers and marketing majors that the group of marketing students was most receptive and willing to get involved with the nonprofit.

Senior Carly Hanson's group conducted research on the Link Peer Mentoring program that is put on by the United Front Multicultural Center that included measuring the effectiveness of self-disclosure and active listening. Her group's findings concluded that self-disclosure is the most effective means of communication in a peer-mentor relationship.

"This research was a rewarding and eye-opening experience," Hanson said.

Some other projects included research for Street of Dreams, a program that, according to its website, helps kids who are considered at risk for going to prison to go to college, along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Blooms from the Heart, an organization that recycles and donates flower arrangements to hospitals and senior homes.

"I am impressed by the quality of work and the thoroughness of their findings," Department of Communication Studies Chair Kristin Moran said. "I came today to support the great work of our students and their research."