Abstract
This study investigated the impact of reading Internet news articles with comments and the effects of repeated arguments reflected in those comments on a reader’s perception on issues. To test whether a reader’s perception differs by argument types and levels of comment repetition, argument types (strong vs. weak) and repetition levels (none, low, medium, high) were manipulated. Variables for the analysis were agreements, attitude, and cognitive response to the issue in the news article. Statistical analysis of the mean differences between argument types revealed that reading the comments significantly affected a reader’s cognitive response. Also statistical analysis of mean differences of repetition levels revealed that exposure to repeated arguments in comments yielded conditional effects on cognitive response.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Sookmyung Women’s University Research Grants 2011.
Author Note
Mina Lee, School of Communication and Media, Sookmyung Women’s University.
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Appendix
Appendix
Summary of a News Story in a ‘strong Argument’ Condition
Higher Education Association in Gangwon province announced the interim report for the Graduation Qualification Examination. One university in Gangwon province has administered a Graduation Qualification Examination in the last 2 years for a test run and debriefed the results.
According to the university, since the graduation exams have been administered, course satisfaction level, overall grade point average, and rates of employment have increased. Course satisfaction level went up by 21.5 %, overall GPA 14.6 %, and employment rate 9.8 %.
In addition, the report mentioned that class environment has been improved so as students have more concentrated efforts during class to prepare for the examination. Teachers more often consulted with the service of teaching programs for effective teaching methods. Students’ evaluations of class also have increased.
The Graduation Qualification Examination is administered for students who are planning to graduate the following year. If students are scheduled to graduate in a year, students must take an examination in addition to fulfilling required course credits for graduation. The examination included tests of courses in majors only and standards of test passing have been determined by the university.
Subin Park (candidate of graduation, Department of Japanese), who is planning on graduating in the next semester and has prepared for the qualification examination, mentioned the benefits of the examination; a student can waive the examination when a student is evaluated as being excellent in major, so that students can concentrate more on major courses.
Summary of a News Story in a ‘weak argument’ Condition
Higher Education Association in Gangwon province announced the interim report for the Graduation Qualification Examination. One university in Gangwon province has administered a Graduation Qualification Examination in the last 2 years for a test run and debriefed the results.
According to the university, since the graduation exams have been administered, the education index has increased. Course satisfaction level went up by 21.5 %, overall GPA 14.6 %, and the employment rate by 9.8 %. However, the anxiety level among students also increased by 20 %. In addition, the report mentioned that class environment has been improved. For instance, teachers have managed to take fewer examinations in classes.
Subin Park (candidate of graduation, Department of Japanese), who is planning on graduating in the next semester and has prepared for the qualification examination, mentioned that students feel a little stress, but they accept the test as an additional challenge to overcome.
The Graduation Qualification Examination is administered for students who are planning to graduate the following year. If students are scheduled to graduate in a year, students must take an examination in addition to fulfilling required course credits for graduation. The examination included tests of courses in majors only and standards of test passing have been determined by the university.
Subin Park (candidate of graduation, Department of Japanese), who is planning on graduating in the next semester and has prepared for the qualification examination, mentioned the benefits of the examination; a student can waive the examination when a student is evaluated as being excellent in major, so that students can concentrate more on major courses.
Comments in a ‘strong Argument’ Condition
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1.
My major is Chinese. Students majoring in Chinese take a Chinese Language Test, HSK. If students can be exempt from taking the test, then the graduation test is not a bad idea. We are taking the HSK anyway. Students may prepare more for classes such as Chinese speaking or writing.
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2.
I went to university in United States. The university has a similar kind of test. Students study hard to get a better GPA, especially Law School or Med School students. In entering Graduate school, undergraduate GPA matters. Maybe some major may welcome the qualification test.
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3.
It would be good, if a company takes the test as performance in major. In job seeking, if a company takes the qualification exam as performance in major, students think it is fair.
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4.
I agree if I don’t have to study hard for every course in the general curriculum.
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5.
Parents would love the idea. They always wonder what students do and study in school. Students must study, if they need to take a test… Good news to parents.
Comments in a ‘weak argument’ Condition
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1.
Less examinations in class is good!!
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2.
I went to university in United States. The university has a similar kind of test. Students must pass the test after all required course work is fulfilled. Students over there think they need to have a better GPA. Undergraduate, graduate students, they all study hard for a good GPA.
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3.
University students look a little weaker than in old days. In society there are lots of obstacles and they must be stronger. You know society is not a school… Take it as another test before getting your feet in society.
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4.
If a standardized score in a major is available, it would be. If the scores of all students in the nation are available, I might know my position.
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5.
Parents would love the idea. Universities always care about parents. Universities might welcome making parents happy.
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Lee, M. The Persuasive Effects of Reading Others’ Comments on a News Article. Curr Psychol 34, 753–761 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-014-9287-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-014-9287-5