New Computational Psychology Research Has Been Reported by J.E. Owen et al.

"A strength of computer-based interventions is the capacity to tailor to individual differences, but most studies have tailored to self-report, rather than linguistic, data. The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate the effects of linguistically-tailored feedback on an Internet-based expressive writing intervention," investigators in Loma Linda, United States report.

"Two hundred eighty-one participants were asked to engage in 3 days of expressive writing and were randomly assigned to one of 3 feedback conditions: control (no feedback), simple (feedback about levels of emotional expression), and directive (simple feedback + suggestions for emotional processing). A Perl-based implementation of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) was developed in order to provide dynamic feedback to participants based on levels of emotional expression identified in their writing. This implementation provided near-perfect correlations with standard LIWC output, r's =.98-1.00. Positive and total, but not negative, emotional expression increased over time for those who received simple or directive feedback," wrote J.E. Owen and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "That linguistically-tailored feedback has the potential to alter patterns of engagement in computer-based interventions. However, additional research is needed to identify the most effective types of feedback in order to enhance immediate effects on writing and longitudinal effects on relevant outcomes."

Owen and colleagues published their study in Computers in Human Behavior (Linguistically-tailored video feedback increases total and positive emotional expression in a structured writing task. Computers in Human Behavior, 2011;27(2):874-882).

For additional information, contact J.E. Owen, Loma Linda Logan College of Chiropractic, Dept. of Psychology, School Science & Technology, 11130 Anderson St., Suite 106, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States..

The publisher of the journal Computers in Human Behavior can be contacted at: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

Keywords: City:Loma Linda, State:California, Country:United States, Computational Psychology, Computers

This article was prepared by Computer Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Computer Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.