Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GENDERS
Parker Sauvageau
Juliet Evusa
Spring 2016
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 2
Abstract
Literature Review
Robert L. Duran, Lynne Kelly, and Teodora Rotaru discuss phone use
within romantic relationships among college students. Their article titled,
Mobile Phones in Romantic Relationships and the Dialectic of Autonomy
Versus Connection, focuses on the relationship between autonomy and
connection within the relationship. The research was done through, self-
reported measures of rules for cell phone use (Duran, Kelly, & Rotaru,
2011, p. 19). The findings were that cell phone use contributed to higher
levels of relational tension, because of issues with calling or texting the
opposite sex.
The research conducted in this text used scales and analytical methods
similar to most phone communication studies. The use of scaled questions
not only helped accomplish the necessary results, but it may have engaged
the participant to think more thoroughly about the open ended questions in
the third part. Further emphasizing the point about the open-ended
questions, the participants were then able to pin point certain elements of
conflict in their relationships because the questions were engaging. Through
the connection between the dependent variable (quality of time, freedom,
and control or partner), and the independent variable (availability, call time,
and satisfaction), the method of testing was successful.
self, partner, and relationship dimensions (Jin & Pea, 2010, p. 45). This
hypothesis was confirmed. However, another hypothesis about texting and
reduction of uncertainty was not supported by the findings.
The design and method were appropriate for the research being
conducted. However, there seemed to be limitations, which affected the
results. For instance, the primitive measure of phone use by self-reporting
individuals. The research done adhered well to the theory. The direct
hypothesis presented helped accomplish methodology in the research.
Though not all of the questions were confirmed, the insight into the subject
of phone communication in relationships further builds upon existing theories
making this research significant. As stated previously, though the conclusion
did not prove the initial hypothesis, the conclusion exhibits sound reasoning.
Each of the elements researched were done in a manner that enabled the
results to be transparent.
The design and method used seemed to apply well to the subject
matter. With the evaluation being broken into the three different levels of
satisfaction, it enabled more applicable conclusions to be drawn. Though
open-ended questions may have enabled deeper understanding in the
subject, the methods used were effective in connecting the initial theory to
the results. This research is very significant because it provides insight into
how parents perceive their children respond to either positive conversations
or negative parental guidance. The conclusion supported the initial theories
and opinions and was backed by the research. There was very little contrary
evidence presented or found.
acquire academic information such as the GPA. The SE:SRL scale uses a 11-
items and examines learning strategies. The SE:AA scale examines success
in several key areas. These scales are based on a 1 though 7 Likert-scale
format. The conclusion to the research was that, this measure of cell phone
use was a significant and negative predictor of college students academic
performance, objectively measured as cumulative GPA (Lepp, Barkley, &
Karpinski, 2015, p. 7).
The design of the study was meant to correlate with the methods used.
Using the GPA along with substantial Likert-scale models propose an
information heavy study. However, the methods used successfully
accomplished the goal. The theories or questions being answered in this
study were in many ways predictable. There has been a common notion that
phones distract students and therefore grades suffer. This study provides
valuable insight into not only the views of students, but actual statistical
data pointing towards a correlation between more phone use and a lower
GPA. The methods used helped answer and explain the theory, making the fit
between the two successful. The research itself is valuable because it backs
the notion that phone use actually does affect students academic
performance. With this knowledge and further research, hopefully students
will learn to look less at their phones and more at their books. The conclusion
focused on the correlation of students GPA in relation to how much the
students used their phones. Though more research should be done to
understand the phenomena, the argument proposed by Lepp, Brakley, and
Karpinski, was supported by the research findings.
Methodology
In order to properly measure the survey there are a few variables that
need to be determined. Time on the cell phone for only texting and or calling
is an important measuring tool. Because total time on the phone relates to
the importance of that method of communication, it enables one to base
primitive measurements off of that. Since the majority of survey participants
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 8
In the study, 76 individuals took part in the survey. The sampling for
this research was conducted in a collegiate atmosphere. The first sampling
method divides the population between males and females. It is critical to
evaluate both genders because the research is examining how these two
variables reason differently. Since cell phone communication has only been a
critical mode of communication for the last twenty years, it is important to
incorporate a younger population for accurate measurements. The sampling
age range was broken down into four age ranges: 16-18, 19-29, 30-49, and
50-64. The reason these age rangers were chosen was because each
symbolizes a specific age classification. Ages 16-18 account for senior high
school age individuals. Ages 19-29 account for college to lower middle age
individuals (the first generation who experienced greater cell phone use).
Ages 30-49 account for middle aged individuals who are commonly
associated with established relationships, jobs, and families. Finally, ages 50-
64 accounts for the upper, middle-aged adults. Although relationship status
is not generally regarded as a specific sampling method, to better answer
the research questions, it was critical to add this element. This sample was
broken into five categories: single, in a non-serious relationship, in a serious
relationship, married, or other.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 9
the survey. Instead, this question was to obtain any personal information
regarding why or why not communication through cell phones is critical.
Data Analysis
The data is analyzed through several different methods. First, the time
spent is broken down to determine the differentiation between male and
female phone use. Then, to determine the individual results, averages were
obtained through the Likert-scales. Using the t test, the results can be
separated and compared to identify which group (male or female) finds cell
phone communication to be more necessary in working relationships.
Based off of hourly cell phone use for texting and calling only, results
showed that 32.9% of individuals used their cell phones for less than an hour
a day. 39.5% used their cell phones for 1 to 2 hours a day. 13.2% said they
used their cell phones for 3 to 4 hours a day, and 14.5% claimed to used
their phone for 5 plus hours a day. In the survey, 49 of the participants were
female and 27 were male. Breaking the hours per day down further, the
charts below show the difference between men and women.
The second part of the survey introduces Likert-scale questions. Based off
of the results three of the questions are used to analyze the data:
The answers were divided among males and females and the mean
number was taken from these questions (view in the following graph). The
five point scale used (1=disagree/5=agree).
Discussion
In conclusion, the research found that females not only spend more
time texting or calling on their cell phones but that they also find cell phone
communication more important. This lines up with the initial research
question, and somewhat confirms the hypothesis. Though males spend less
time on their phone, the research disproves the opinion of males finding that
form of communication critical to relationships, in comparison to females.
The findings showed that women are more likely to use their cell phones as a
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 14
means for communication; females tend to feel more comfortable using their
cell phones for communication; and in general, both male and female
participants noted that there is a general standard of importance on cell
phone communication.
The findings were relatable to the research done by Borae Jin and Jorge
F. Pee who examined the correlation and importance of mobile phones in
romantic relationships. They note that, there were no significant results in
relation to the use of text messaging. Overall, more mobile calls in romantic
relationships are associated with positive relationship qualities (Jin & Pea,
2010, p. 45). In addition, researchers Robert Duran, Lynne Kelly, and Teodora
Rotaru examine, further, the significance of cell phone use in romantic
relationships finding that they not only are widely used in relationships as a
source of communication but also can spur ambiguity and conflict (Duran,
Kelly, & Rotaru, 2011, p. 19). Though these researchers were not looking
specifically at whether or not phone communication was more important to
males or females, their research proves significant in connection to the
findings of this survey.
The findings in many ways are generalizable. The only exception to this
is the scope of the sample. In order for it to fully encompass the general
population it would require more participants as well as administering the
survey on a broader platform instead of primarily using social media. For
further research, one may experiment with different forms of relationships.
Age is also an important factor in research over cell phone communication,
this is because each generation experiences different levels of emphasis on
the medium of communication. In general, the research is pressing for better
understanding of how relationships progress and evolve when cell phone
communication is introduced. Though the findings presented were consistent
with the initial hypothesis, more variables must be accounted for to optimize
future research into the importance of cell phone communication.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 15
References
Duran, R. L., Kelly, L., & Rotaru, T. (2011). Mobile phones in romantic relationships
and the
dialectic of autonomy versus connection. Communication Quarterly, 59(1),
19-36. doi:10.1080/01463373.2011.541336
Jin, B., & Pea, J. F. (2010). Mobile communication in romantic relationships: Mobile
phone
use, relational uncertainty, love, commitment, and attachment styles.
Communication Reports, 23(1), 39-51. doi:10.1080/08934211003598742
Lepp, A., Barkley, J. E., & Karpinski, A. C. (2015). The relationship between cell
phone use
and academic performance in a sample of U.S. college students. SAGE Open,
5(1), 1-8. doi:10.1177/2158244015573169
Weisskirch, R. S. (2011). No crossed wires: Cell phone communication in parent-
adolescent
relationships. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 14(7-8),
447-451. doi:10.1089/cyber.2009.0455
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 16
Appendix A
Multiple Choice and True or False Survey Questions
The following questions or statements are taken from the survey itself.
Gender
o Male
o Female
Age
o 16-18
o 19-29
o 30-49
o 50-64
Relationship Status
o Single
o In a non-serious relationship
o In a serious relationship
o Married
o Other
Do you have a smart phone? (iPhone, Android, Windows, anything with
a touchscreen)
o Yes
o No
How many hours a day do you use your phone for things besides
texting/calling?
o Less then 1hour
o 1-2 hours
o 3-4 hours
o 5+ hours
How many hours a day do you spend calling or texting with your cell
phone?
o Less then 1hour
o 1-2 hours
o 3-4 hours
o 5+ hours
Do you prefer texting someone a question rather than calling to ask?
o Yes
o No
Do you prefer using your cell phone as a means of communication
rather than face-to-face communication?
o Yes
o No
THE IMPORTANCE OF CELL PHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GENDERS 17
Appendix B