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Showcase Marilyn Reed

How to say it to earn better online reviews? The Effect of Firm’s Communication Language on Word-of-Mouth: The Case of Mobile Applications

How to say it to earn better online reviews? The Effect of Firm’s Communication Language on Word-of-Mouth: The Case of Mobile Applications

Primary author: Seyednasir Haghighibardineh
Co-author(s): Chadwick Miller
Faculty sponsor: Chadwick Miller

Primary college/unit: Carson College of Business
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The importance and impact of online reviews continues to increase in both online and brick-and-mortar businesses. Based on the annual survey conducted by BrightLocal (2018)—a search agency focused on Local Search Engine Optimization tools—86% of consumers read reviews for their desired local businesses (this number further increases to 95% for ages 18-34). Additionally, the content of these reviews makes a difference in consumption decisions. For instance, consumers read 10 online reviews, on average, before putting their trust in a local business and 57% of consumers will only use a business if it has at least 4 stars. In this study, we suggest that how a firm describes its products—in terms of the level of analytical language used in the description—affects the valence of online word-of-mouth (WOM) as represented in consumer reviews. Further, we explore how the product’s price moderates this relationship. Applying text analysis tools, we test our hypotheses using data from the mobile applications industry. We analyze the sample of 2,396 mobile games and apps with more than 6 million online reviews in total. We find that using a description with analytical language has a negative impact on WOM—operationalized as star rating. Also, we find that price strengthens this relationship. These findings contribute to the marketing literature by expanding our knowledge about the drivers of WOM. Specifically, this study enables marketers to design and implement marketing actions-in terms of product descriptions and pricing strategies to improve consumers’ reviews of the products.

Student Athlete Motivational Factors Behind University Choice

Student Athlete Motivational Factors behind University Choice

Primary author: Jayson Gibb
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Rhee

Primary college/unit: Sport Management
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

This study is evaluating and presenting the motivational factors that affect a student athlete’s University choice. By examining the different motivational factors presented within this study, we hope to understand the crucial motivational factors that can be utilized in the future by Universities within the recruiting process. From previous studies different factors were clear motivations to the choice over others. Within this study we looked at 13 different athletes on both the Men’s and Women’s basketballs conducting informal interviews to gauge the reasoning behind their choice of University. Rather than narrowing the scope only two broad questions were asked in order to allow discussion between the participants and allow a natural answer develop through conversation that did not feel pressured. The responses were recorded by the interviewers and the data was compared in order to slim down the important motivational factors.

Theoretical Model of Language Task Engagement

Theoretical Model of Language Task Engagement

Primary author: Joy Egbert
Co-author(s): Seyed Abdollah Shahrokni; Haixia He; Pruksapan Bantawtook

Primary college/unit: College of Education
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Focusing on learner task engagement in classrooms is one way to help learners achieve (Borysenko, 2018). A task is a classroom activity or exercise with clear goals, a sequence or process for meeting those goals, and a specific beginning and end. A task includes a number of different elements, including goals, materials, group formations, process, modes, assessments, and products (Egbert & Ernst-Slavit, 2010). Engagement in a task means involvement, which can be seen on a scale from completely unengaged (or “disengaged”) to total engagement, or what Csikzentmihalyi (2014) describes as the phenomenon of “flow.”
For the language task engagement model presented in this poster, we have:
1.Reviewed the theoretical framework of task engagement elements based on our previous research;
2.Conducted a comprehensive literature review, including existing instruments (e.g., Wigfield & Guthrie’s [1997] MRQ), studies, teacher anecdotes, theories, and so on to discern both the most salient and additional engagement elements;
3.Translated almost 1,000 survey responses into English, coded for engagement elements, and computed interrater reliabilities;
4. Run descriptive statistics for frequencies and reviewed patterns across all data;
5. Identified critical concepts in task engagement and hypothesized relationships between/ among them;
6. Created a bi-factor model of language task engagement.
We are sharing the model so that other researchers and educators can help us to test the model, which includes task engagement facilitators, task elements, indicators of task engagement, and task outcomes, and which suggests the relationships among these factors.

Misinformation and Vaccine News: Using an Infographic as a News Literacy Intervention

Misinformation and Vaccine News: Using an Infographic as a News Literacy Intervention

Primary author: Shawn Domgaard
Faculty sponsor: Mina Park

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

This study seeks to understand the effects of an infographic with news literacy skills as an intervention can have an effect on college student’s ability to verify the accuracy of a news story, with the proposed hypothesis that it will have a significant impact. First misinformation and false news as a current topic are explored, then the importance of news literacy is established, and the effectiveness of infographics as an educational and persuasive device is demonstrated. This was a between-groups experiment with three separate groups of randomized participants. Each group was separated into a control group, an infographic intervention, or a text only intervention. The participants were all shown a mix of four false and true news articles talking about vaccines, then either given an intervention or a control, and then asked to verify four more false and true news stories. The implications of using such a small priming message are discussed.

Optimizing National Dissemination and Use of Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules

Optimizing National Dissemination and Use of Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules

Primary author: Katelyn Dahlke
Co-author(s): Bernard Van Wie; Prashanta Dutta; Jacqueline Gartner; Olusola Adesope; David Thiessen; Olivia Reynolds; Kitana Kaiphanliam
Faculty sponsor: Bernie Van Wie

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LC-DLMs) are hands-on modules developed at Washington State University that are used in conjunction with traditional sophomore and junior level engineering lectures. These modules allow students to see for themselves the real-world implications of the concepts and theories that they are learning in class. Prior work at WSU has demonstrated that LC-DLMs are effective at increasing students’ understanding of the concepts. We have taken steps to expand the use of these LC-DLMs to other universities and have developed a combination of technological tools and a national “hub and spoke” method in order to facilitate the use of these DLMs at other institutions. Hub coordinators attended the first dissemination workshop at WSU in spring 2019 and will use the training and information they received to advance LC-DLM use at their home institutions. At least one workshop will be held each year at a different “hub” institution, where individuals from “spoke” institutions will learn how to use LC-DLMs effectively in their classroom from hub coordinators and representatives from WSU. Feedback from workshop participants, including the need for clear step-by-step instructions and different strategies for developing a control group, are used to improve future workshops. This information can also be used to assist other faculty in developing parallel strategies for propagating the use of new instructional approaches. This method, combined with a comprehensive webpage that includes video demonstrations, worksheets, assessments, and frequently asked questions, will continue to help to stimulate implementation of LC-DLMs and minimize potential barriers to adoption.

The Impact of Formal Communication on Employees’ Responses to New Information Technology

The Impact of Formal Communication on Employees’ Responses to New Information Technology

Primary author: Deborah Compeau

Primary college/unit: Carson College of Business
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Changes in information technology (IT) in the workplace are frequent, driven by opportunities to create value from ever-developing technologies. Yet such changes are challenging for employees who must cope with disruptions in their work and continually update their skills. Research in information systems has provided robust insights into how individuals’ feelings and beliefs about themselves, the IT, and their environment influence IT implementation success. The managerial mechanisms that facilitate success, however, remain less studied.

This paper investigates one particular mechanism, formal communication, which has been found to be important in organizational change. Building on an earlier qualitative study, we extend the organizational change literature by examining the specific characteristics of formal communication that influence employees’ responses.

We tested our theoretical model with a survey of 303 individuals who were anticipating IT-based changes at work. The results show the importance of four content categories of communication: information about WHAT the IT is, WHY it is being implemented, WHEN change will occur and HOW the individual’s work will be affected. We show that high quality formal communication positively influences beliefs about the usefulness and ease of use of the new IT. These in turn promote enthusiasm and reduce anxiety and thus motivate engagement in further social interaction to prepare for the new IT. We contribute to the literature by articulating an improved conceptualization of formal communication, and investigating the role of formal communication in cultivating employees’ readiness for IT change.

Communication about Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research with American Indians and Alaska Natives

Communication about Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research with American Indians and Alaska Natives

Primary author: Amanda Boyd
Co-author(s): Alyssa Mayeda; Clemma Muller; Meghan Jernigan; Dedra Buchwald

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect 5 million Americans 65 years of age or older. The number of people in the US with ADRD is expected to increase to 14 million by 2050 unless preventive interventions and effective treatments are developed. Despite advances in ADRD research among non-Hispanic Whites, little is known about ADRD prevalence and risk factors for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, partly due to their low participation in ADRD research. To increase research participation, it is important to understand how best to communicate about ADRD with AI/ANs. In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional health needs assessment survey of AI/AN adults attending the SeaFair Indian Days Powwow (n=221) in Seattle, Washington and the Gathering at the Falls Powwow (n=108) in Spokane, Washington. The survey included questions about their attitudes towards research participation, preferences for communication about ADRD. Among the 329 respondents, 34% had seen, heard, or read about ADRD during the past year, 38% would consider participating in a research program designed to test a medical treatment for ADRD, and 76% thought it was important for AI/ANs to participate in research programs to test medical treatments. We discuss factors that may contribute to and enhance ADRD research participation and improve communication about ADRD and its risk factors. Further study is needed to determine whether incorporating culturally relevant risk messaging would improve communication about ADRD, improve awareness, or increases AI/AN participation in ADRD research.

Genetic Diversity of Mop-top Virus: An Emerging Threat to the US Potato Production

Genetic Diversity of Mop-top Virus: An Emerging Threat to the US Potato Production

Primary author: Ying Zhai

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Genus: Pomovirus; Family: Virgaviridae), a soil-borne RNA Virus, is an emerging threat to potato production in the US. PMTV is known to exist as two distinct strains; however, there is limited information on the population structure, strain incidence and distribution in the U.S. The complete genome of six isolates of PMTV collected from three states in the USA were sequenced, analyzed, and compared with a previously characterized isolate from Washington and all known PMTV sequences available in GenBank.

Genome-wide nucleotide sequence identities of the U.S. isolates ranged from 96% to 100%. Based on the coat protein amino acid sequence, all the U.S. isolates clustered with known severe (S) strains. Genetic diversity test showed that the S strain to be more diverse than the mild (M) strain and the PMTV recombinant strain. Population selection analysis revealed that most of the codons were generally negatively selected in the PMTV isolates studied. However, positive selection was detected at codon 689 in the RT domain, which could be an adaptation to facilitate vector transmission and to overcome host plant resistance.

The sequence characteristics and the observed genetic diversity would be useful in developing improved virus diagnostics to detect the virus in aerial plant parts, tubers, soil and the soil-borne vector.

Evaluating the NPR effect of computer-aided 3D auxetic structure

Evaluating the NPR effect of computer-aided 3D auxetic structure

Primary author: Zihui Zhao
Faculty sponsor: Hang Liu

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Most materials exhibit positive Poisson’s ratios, which means they become narrower in the transverse direction and longer in the direction of stretching under tension. Materials fabricated with auxetic structures have negative Poisson’s ratios (NPRs) which behave contrarily to conventional materials. Auxetic structures have a number of enhanced properties, such as increased shear modulus, indentation resistance, fracture toughness, and energy absorption among others. This research studied utilizing 3D printing technique to create 3D auxetic structures with elastomers. Various spatial configurations of the 3D structure, printing parameters, and elastomer composition were investigated for their influence on the properties of printed auxetic structures, including energy absorption, auxetic ratio, and compression stress/strain. Experimental results showed that overall these developed 3D auxetic structures were able to present sufficient NPR effect under compressive loading. The various parameters studied all affected the auxetic ratio, energy absorption, and compression stress and strain. The resultant 3D structures have great potential for various applications, including protective gears for sports (e.g., helmet and knee padding).

Design and Synthesis of Porous Smart Materials

Design and Synthesis of Porous Smart Materials

Primary author: Qiang Zhang
Co-author(s): Matthew Hurlock

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have recently emerged as a distinct family of porous materials. Generally, Zr-MOFs are formed from Zr clusters made of six Zr atoms bonded together by oxygen atoms forming secondary building units (SBUs). Though many Zr-MOFs have been synthesized over the last decade none have shown a cluster coordination of more than 12 ligands. Coordination through only one oxygen atom of the carboxylic acid suggests that a coordination of up to 24 ligands could be achieved greatly increasing the number of structures Zr-MOFs can form. Current investigations have shown steps toward reaching this goal.
The new Zr-MOF WSU-5 (Washington State University-5) was synthesized through solvothermal methods from ZrCl4 and the tetracarboxylate linker H4ETTC. Utilizing post-synthetic modification, WSU-5 was transformed into WSU-6 and WSU-7 through the insertion of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDC) and 2,6-napthalenedicarboxylic acid (NDC), respectively. Crystallographic analysis show that WSU-5 is comprised of 8-connected Zr6-SBUs and the 4-connected ligands H4ETTC. Therefore, WSU-5 possesses the uncommon (4,8)-connected interpenetrated scu-c topology. The insertion of BDC into WSU-5 coordinated four BDC ligands into each SBU. This formed the (4,12)-connected WSU-6 with the new mjh topology. Interestingly, when NDC was inserted into WSU-5, six NDC ligands coordinated to the Zr6-SBUs. Two through bidentate coordination and four though monodentate coordination. The (4,14)-connected WSU-7 was generated, which exhibits a new topology, jkz. The Zr6-SBUs of WSU-7 is the first Zr-MOF to contain 14-connected Zr6-SBUs. The insertion alters the luminescent properties which can be used as sensors.