Master's Theses

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Date of Award

Fall 1971

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Bernie Mermis

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effects of varying ambient levels of illumination on verbal behavior. The set of hypotheses tested was that frequency of: (a) word units, (b) affect responses, and (c) self-referent pronouns would vary inversely with ambient light intensity. Ss used in the study were 21 male and 21 female undergraduate students enrolled at Fort Hays Kansas State College during the summer of 1971. The data for each dependent measure was subjected to a 3 X 2 factorial analysis of variance, with three levels of illumination (0.5, 5.0, and 10.0 ft. candles) as the principal independent variable and sex as another independent dimension. The analyses yielded no significant F's (p < .05). It was concluded that Ss' production of total word units, self-referent pronouns, and affect responses was not significantly affected by varying ambient illumination levels, and changes in room illumination similar to those tested in this study would probably not enhance rapport between client and therapist in an individual psychotherapy setting. Extreme variability in the production of total word units was found and it was recommended that this study be replicated with a larger sample N before placing complete confidence in the findings of the work.

Comments

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Rights

© 1971 Robert A. Herman

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