Flaming in the electronic classroom

Bruce A. Reinig, Robert O. Briggs, Jay F. Nunamaker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Research has shown that group support systems (GSS) can be used to substantially improve learning at all levels of formal education. However, some instructors are reluctant to adopt GSS because they are concerned that learners will engage in flaming, or verbal attacks intended to offend either persons or organizations and often charactrized by profanity, obscenity, and insults. This paper posits that flaming is caused by hostility engendered by a perception that vested interests have been or are about to be violated. It further posits that the relationship between hostility and flaming is moderated by personal values and risk of reprisal. A longitudinal experiment is presented that provides empirical support for the model. The paper then reports five field cases highlighting various strategies used by instructors for reducing or eliminating flaming.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)45-59
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Management Information Systems
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Electronic classroom
  • Field study research
  • Flaming

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management Information Systems
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Information Systems and Management

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