Search published articles


Showing 2 results for Scale Design

Fatemeh Salmani, Mohammad Reza Kiani, Mohammad Mohammad Akbari Booreng, Leila Talebzade Shoshtari,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract

Background and Purpose: Social media and psychological issues related to it, have attracted increasing attention nowadays and have been the subject of many studies in this field. Meanwhile, Instagram was studied in this research due to its many features and the special attention of young people to this platform. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of body image in using Instagram.
Materials and methods: This correlation study was conducted in a sample of 375 students. Data were collected using “body image” and “use of Instagram” questionnaires.
Findings: According to the results, students used Instagram more than average. They were relatively satisfied with their body image. Also, the results showed that the higher the apparent dissatisfaction and functional interference of the respondents (as components of body image), the higher their use of Instagram.
Conclusion:  Due to the increasing popularity of social media, researchers have begun to investigate the possible consequences of this new media format on body image. There are some unique features of social media that distinguish them from traditional media and may help in understanding any effect they may have on body image: 1. Social media such as Instagram have their own users and are very popular among the younger generation. have; 2. People often present an idealized version of themselves on social media, uploading their most attractive images to their profile that can be edited and improved, and deleting any images they find unattractive; 3. Although social media contain images of a range of different types of people (eg, friends, family, strangers, celebrities), they are generally used to interact with peers.
Young people are influenced by three main sources: parents, peers, and media. As a major factor in socialization, parents have a strong influence on their children's body image, and this can be directly or indirectly related to body weight or appearance in general, for example through their comments. As children grow older and enter adolescence, peers play an increasingly important role in body image concerns, especially when intimacy is a necessary component of receiving approval from others. Adolescents learn from their peers what type of body image is associated with popularity and attractiveness. Finally, the media plays a determining role, as young people in the media are often portrayed as attractive and perfectly fit, which may lead to body image concerns among those exposed to them. Past research has shown that certain social media environments, such as Instagram, may be effective in creating feelings of inadequacy and comparing oneself to others in terms of body image.
Instagram contains a plethora of seemingly authentic images, many of which represent body ideals. Physical appearance actually plays an important role on Instagram, and studies have shown that teens and young adults experience distress, body dissatisfaction, and pressure to look perfect on social media. Since Instagram gives its users the opportunity to edit content before posting it on their profile, users tend to resort to behaviors such as image filtering.
Previous studies have emphasized the importance and extent of using social media, especially the Instagram social network, in the world and in Iran, and clearly confirmed the mutual effect of its use with psychological issues, including people's attitudes about their body image among the users of this network. It is important to note that most researches have focused on the role of using Instagram on psychological variables, but this research focused on the role of body image variable on the use of Instagram. Although two-way relationship is tested in correlation studies, the goal of the researchers in terms of predictor variables and criteria determines the direction of the analysis. Based on this, this research sought to determine the relationship between the body image of the studied community and the use of Instagram after examining the status of the variables of Instagram use and body image among the subjects under study (  University of Birjand students)?
Instagram is a visual program that has given its users the ability to send photos, videos, selfies, live broadcasts, and in addition has created the necessary interaction so that users can react to the stories and posts of their followers. The many features of this platform and its attractiveness for young people made the community under study of this research to show high statistics of using this media (based on the results of the first question). This issue can provide many opportunities for society's decision makers to use these capabilities in the service of raising the standards of today's social life. Therefore, domestic similar platforms should be strengthened so that they can replace it due to the filtering of this social media. However, due to the international nature of Instagram, it is unlikely that a suitable alternative will be found for it; Therefore, it is suggested to facilitate favorable conditions for students to use this media along with their awareness about its benefits and harms. Because filtering media that is very popular among young people will cause dissatisfaction and hidden and open social aggressions.
Data were collected using body image questionnaires (Littleton et al., 2005) and using Instagram (Lezbna, 2015). The body image questionnaire (Littleton et al., 2005) contains 19 items and uses a Likert scale (scored from 1 meaning never to 5 meaning always). The validity of this questionnaire using the correlation method with the self-report scale of body dysmorphic disorder was reported as 0.83 in the research of Littleton et al. (2005). Also, in a study conducted by Basak Nejad and Ghaffari (2006), the validity of this questionnaire was tested and confirmed using the correlation coefficient between this scale and the fear of negative evaluation of physical appearance (r=0.55). The reliability of the questionnaire in the research of Littleton et al. (2005) was evaluated by the internal consistency method and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient obtained was equal to 0.93. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the first and second factors was 0.92 and 0.76, respectively, and the correlation coefficient between the two factors (1. apparent dissatisfaction and 2. functional interference) was 0.69. In the research of Rostagarinia and Ali Khademi (2022), the reliability of this questionnaire using Cronbach's alpha method was 0.86 for the entire questionnaire, 0.84 for the first subscale (apparent dissatisfaction) and 0.71 for the second subscale (functional interference). It is reported that it indicates acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. In the present study, Cronbach's alpha of the whole body image questionnaire was 0.88, the first component (appearance dissatisfaction) was 0.84, and the second component (functional interference) was 0.77.
The second questionnaire was the use of Instagram (Lezbna, 2015). This questionnaire contains 13 items and has been used in many personality and clinical research projects due to its high validity (Pouyanfar, 2019). In this research, the validity of this questionnaire was checked and confirmed using the content validity method (subject experts and professors). Lezbana (2015) reported the reliability of this questionnaire using Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.81 and Pouyanfar (2019) 0.83. In the current study, the Cronbach's alpha of the Instagram usage questionnaire was 0.81.
The statistical data analysis of this research was done using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, tables and graphs) and inferential statistics (including regression tests, Pearson correlation coefficient and one-sample t-________________________________________________________________________
The Journal of Human Information Interaction is supported by Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
This work is published under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license
The statistical data analysis of this research was done using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, tables and graphs) and inferential statistics (including regression tests, Pearson correlation coefficient and one-sample t-test). The software used for statistical analysis was SPSS version 25. In addition, the normality of the data distribution was confirmed using the Kolomogrov-Smirnov test.
The results of the first question, which asked the students' use of the social network Instagram, were obtained in such a way that the sample T-Tech test showed that the students' use of Instagram, despite being filtered, with an average of 43.53 at the level of 0.01, is significantly higher than The average was 39. The findings showed that most of the respondents (138 people) have been using Instagram for more than 4 years, the respondents spend between 1 and 2 hours on Instagram, the number of posts they share on this platform is less than 10 posts, and according to the results, although They post pictures on Instagram once a month. The respondents checked Instagram sometimes and agreed that they devoted a part of their daily schedule to Instagram and that Instagram was a part of the respondents' daily activities; So that they used Instagram in their free time, at work or class, etc. In the end, the respondents believed that they should be present on Instagram all day and if they are not present, their communication is cut off.
McCormick (2018) believes that Instagram is a social network platform, and the adoption of this program by many users and the use of new technologies in different fields increase the value of this program day by day, and the reason that makes it more attractive to advertisers is the young audience of this program. . According to the latest statistics of the Statista website, users aged 25 to 34 are the largest age group of Instagram users worldwide, followed by people aged 18 to 24, and in the meantime, India is at the top of the list of Instagram users with 201 million Instagram users. . Bolton et al. (2013) concluded that young consumers are a technologically savvy and visually advanced generation, and their adaptability to using technology eases many issues because they are born with the introduction of technology. Starcevich and Konjikoshi (2018) also believe that the young generation has the most participation in social media when compared to previous generations. Other researches inside and outside the country such as Poyanfar (2019); Borbor and Tajik Ismaili (1401); Brati and Atrian (1400); Kapenter et al. (2020); Huang and Chu (2018) have obtained results consistent with the results of this research.
The results of the second question, how do the students perceive their body image? It showed that the students' opinion about the negative image of their own body was significantly lower than the average, in other words, they did not have a very unfavorable image of their appearance. Also, the respondents were rarely dissatisfied with some parts of their appearance, sometimes they spend considerable time in the mirror, they never feel that the people around them have a negative opinion about them, if they are dissatisfied with their appearance, they still participate in social activities, use cosmetics to improve their appearance. They rarely seek approval from others about their appearance, they are not afraid of others finding fault with their appearance, and they do not avoid looking in the mirror. The results of the T-Tech exam of the sample of students regarding their body image with two research components (appearance dissatisfaction and functional interference) are reported with an average level. The results show that the status of students regarding their body image with an average of 41.78 at the level of 0.01 is significantly lower than the average of 57. Also, the state of apparent dissatisfaction of students with an average of 20.93 and functional interference with an average of 20.85 is significant at the level of 0.01 and below the average; Therefore, the students had a relatively positive image of their body. Mohad et al. (2013) in their research, consistent with the current research, concluded that 85% of the respondents are more than average satisfied with their body. In the case of those who had an unfavorable body image, this dissatisfaction with appearance increased the desire to wear makeup. Also, interference in a person's social performance increases both the desire and the practice of makeup. Khodaparast et al. (2019) obtained the average of body image components and compared it with the average, and concluded that the sample people have a positive and favorable view of their body image. Contrary to the present study, Wood-Barkalow et al. (2010) concluded that 12 of the respondents were not satisfied with their body image. It seems that the type of subjects of this study did not have an effect on obtaining these results. Students in an active and rich environment usually receive positive feedback from their friends, and at a young age, due to physical health and vitality, a person's attitude towards his body is more positive than at an older age.
In the research hypothesis, students' body image predicts their use of Instagram. The results were such that in this hypothesis, the components of body image including appearance dissatisfaction and functional interference were considered as predictor variables and Instagram use as criterion variable. The results of the variable correlation test (as a regression assumption) showed that there is a significant relationship between body image and both of its components, i.e., appearance dissatisfaction and functional interference (as a predictor variable) and using Instagram (as a criterion variable) at the level of 0.05. Appearance dissatisfaction and functional interference were the variables entered in the regression equation at the same time, and both variables remained in the model. Chua and Chang's (2016) research showed that people's feedback from peers and society has a significant effect on the dissemination of photos published on Instagram, and functional interference is a predictor of Instagram use. Verastro et al. (2020) conducted a study, and the results showed that people who felt more anxious and uncomfortable about their body image and had more pressure to comply with social media standards were people who edited their pictures and then posted them online. upload, internalize the beauty stereotype suggested by Instagram and use Instagram more. Pedalino and Camrini (2022) obtained results consistent with this research, which was associated with lower levels of body satisfaction in the target population due to the social comparison process of ideal body images shared on the Instagram platform.
Fardouli et al. (2022) used the multiple regression method in their research and the result of their research was also consistent with the present research. Also, Cowles et al. (2023) concluded that participants who spent more time on Instagram had higher levels of body dissatisfaction and more comparisons of physical appearance. In their research, Sohrabzadeh et al. (2018) concluded that there is a significant and direct relationship between body image and the use of Instagram with a correlation coefficient (0.236) and a significance level (0.0001). In addition, Sadeghzadeh et al. (2018) reported in their study that dissatisfaction with body image has a significant and positive relationship with the amount of use of Instagram (r = 0.64, p<0.01).
 

Shahrzad Nasrollahzadeh, Safiyeh Tahmasebi Limooni, Mitra Ghiasi,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (11-2023)
Abstract

Background and Purpose: Studies show that limited models have been designed to measure women's information sharing behavior, but so far no valid and reliable tool has been provided to measure women's information sharing behavior in information environments. Since knowing and determining the type of information environment and the extent of their use in information sharing behavior is very effective in strengthening information channels, and informal communication is extremely important in scientific relations, and women, as one of the social groups in a prestigious positions in Society; Most of their information needs are met through informal channels of information, so it is necessary to examine women's information environments; Because the identification of these environments is a solid foundation for planning and making changes in the type and manner of presenting macro-policies with the aim of women achieving dignified competencies, and it can also be a way to optimize information environments. Therefore, the purpose of the current research is to construct and validate a questionnaire to analyze the information sharing behavior of women in information environments.
Materials and methods:This research is mixed in terms of applied objective, in terms of exploratory approach, and in terms of data collection method. The statistical population in the qualitative section includes 15 experts and in the quantitative section includes all women (20 years old and above) active members of urban institutional public libraries in the city centers of Mazandaran province, numbering 4936 people. The sample size was 357 people who were selected by proportional stratified random sampling in 1401. The proportional stratified random sampling method has other names such as "matched sampling", "proportionate to volume" and "proportional" method. This method is used when the target population of the research has a heterogeneous and inconsistent structure. Therefore, due to heterogeneous and heterogeneity, in such cases, the research community is divided into different "classes", in fact, by using stratified sampling, the society is divided into homogeneous groups, so that the people in each class are similar and homogeneous. Then, a random sample is selected from each class in proportion to the number of people in the community. In this method, the researcher wants to select the research sample in such a way as to make sure that the subgroups are present in the sample with the same proportion as they exist in the society as representatives of the society. In other words, in this sampling method, the studied community units are grouped into classes that are homogeneous and congruent in terms of variable attributes so that their changes and diversity within the groups are reduced. As a result, groups and classes that have similar characteristics are formed. Then, with this action (dividing the society into homogeneous groups), the number of samples for each group is determined, then by using the simple random sampling method, the required number of people from each group will be selected in proportion. In this research, through stratified sampling, three geographical regions (east, west and center of Mazandaran province) were considered as strata, in such a way that the researcher entered the selected geographical strata after obtaining the necessary permits and filled out the questionnaire as It was randomly distributed among the designated groups. The sample size in this research was selected and precisely determined based on Cochran's formula. . The pattern of information sharing behavior of women in information environments, 34 questions in 10 dimensions of personal and personal motives; spatial factors; time factors; social motives, cultural motives; moral motives; motivation of informational awareness, political motivation; The information sharing environment and information sharing method was designed. Then, in order to analyze the data using statistical techniques and Smart PLS statistical software, content validity ratio and confirmatory factor analysis, instrument validity, check, and finally with Cronbach's alpha method and reliability coefficient. Combined, the reliability of the instrument was determined.
Findings: In the findings of the present research, the results showed that people with different motivations and to meet different needs turn to different information environments. Identifying the most important motivations for using these environments for sharing information can help scientific, educational, cultural and social institutions and especially organizations in charge of scientific and cultural policies in providing the best possible services. Reviewing what was previously discussed, people go to informal information sources such as their family members, relatives, and friends to obtain information. They were very dependent. Lack of access, illiteracy, lack of awareness, unfavorable economic conditions, cultural restrictions, and language or communication barriers have been declared as the main obstacles in obtaining daily information for women. Also, the findings regarding the background factors of women's information environments in information sharing showed that people do not depend on environmental factors and time factors, which were considered as the governing factors in women's information sharing in information environments, to establish social interaction. People are willing to engage in social interaction anywhere, at any time, and at different and unexpected places. When people gather in an information field, they actually participate in social interaction, and conversation about life, generalities, and specific circumstances that lead to unexpected and sometimes purposeful finding of information and formal and informal sharing of information on various topics. In the provided tool, it was found that including "moral", "social", "cultural" and "political" motivations among women can be important factors of information sharing in information environments and it is necessary to observe ethical minimums in information environments. To be Political issues, dimensions and sensitivity to them is another important issue that can be seen in this tool and must be observed by women in information environments and during information sharing. The type and cultural level of people and the sense of security guarantee for women are effective while sharing information in information environments. Therefore, the role of these factors in information sharing in information environments should not be ignored. Because these factors lead to the emergence of planned behaviors by women in information sharing and increase the confidence factor of the abilities of these environments, which ultimately, in this way, they feel satisfied with social interactions and information sharing. Also, based on the results of the research in the presented scale, the direct and indirect planning of discussions and the use of social networks have been approved as strategic factors of information sharing in women's information environments. In fact, the strategic factors of information sharing in women's information environments are a set of reasons that their implementati on and application cause the emergence of information sharing consequences in women's information environments. Environments such as parks or family gatherings are suitable environments for sharing information and experiences. A large part of the information we receive is obtained in a social context and in the form of interaction with familiar people, family members, and friends. In addition, the behavior of sharing information in women's information environments is done through "direct discussions". In social interactions, information is created and shared. Therefore, the most important issue in the information sharing process is effective interactions, and this usually happens through direct (face-to-face) or indirect communication. Formal and informal social interactions between people provide channels for creates information sharing between them. Through social interactions, people find more opportunities to share their information and experiences, and as a result, the flow of information increases. A review of researches shows that obtaining information in any period and for any user under any conditions is one of the main concerns. Because most of the responsibility of the family rests with women, especially regarding health, education and acquiring the necessary skills in household affairs. So they need more information. The sharing of information among women can be effective in raising children and strengthening the foundations of life, which in itself causes the society to flourish and grow more and more. How much the people present in the information environment show enthusiasm towards receiving or providing information is effective in the process of information sharing. Finally, the findings of the research showed that the structure of the pattern of women's information sharing behavior in information environments was confirmed according to the content validity ratio (0.76) and confirmatory factor analysis with the goodness of fit index (GOF) equal to 0.3285. Also, the tool had good reliability with total Cronbach's alpha values (0.988). On the other hand, the results of Figure (1) and Table 4 also show that the 34 items in question can be reduced to 10 factors. The contribution of each factor in explaining the variance of 34 items related to the designed questionnaire is different and decreasing. That is, the first factor has the largest contribution (24.70% with a specific value of 8.40) and the tenth factor with (2.97% and a specific value of 1.01) has the lowest contribution in explaining the variance of these 34 items. In total, all 10 factors have been able to explain 70.40% of the variance of the 34 items related to the designed questionnaire with specific values higher than 1. The results of the independent sample One Sample T-Test also showed that the significance level of the test regarding all the components of women's information sharing in information environments is less than the error level of 0.05% and the average of these variables is 3 (the middle of the Likert scale) 5 options is more and also the upper limit and lower limit of all the variables are both positive values, with confidence above 95%, it can be stated that the information sharing of women in information environments and its components are in a relatively favorable situation.
Conclusion: The scale designed to investigate the information sharing behavior of women in information environments in the work environment has been evaluated as suitable according to the revealed factors, and its use is recommended to measure the information sharing behavior of women in information environments. All criteria of Cronbach's alpha, significance of factor loadings between questions and underlying variables, Composite Reliability (CR), Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and Discriminant validity by Fornell and Larcker method, as well as the appropriateness of the measurement model, indicate that the questionnaire used in this research measures what the researchers are looking for. Therefore, the built tool provides the criteria of the behavior pattern of women's information sharing in information environments to the researchers. The results of the current research showed that people with different motivations and needs turn to different information environments. Identifying the most important motivations for using information environments in sharing information can help scientific, educational, cultural, and social institutions, especially organizations in charge of scientific and cultural policies, provide the best possible services. Discovered factors include:
Individual and personality motivations with sub-factors (personal desire, altruism, individual and personality fit, individual interests, and recognition of personality dimensions to share information between individuals or other; Spatial factors with sub-factors (no place and no need for a specific place for information sharing behavior in information environments); Time factors with sub-factors (timelessness, unplanned and completely accidental occurrence of information sharing behavior in information environments); Social motivations with sub-factors (social interaction, promotion of social status, and the desire to communicate in order to engage in information sharing behavior in information environments); Cultural motivations with sub-factors (people's cultural level, the existence of an information-seeking culture in people and the existence of an information-seeking culture in sharing); Ethical motives with sub-factors (religious and religious considerations in information sharing, interpersonal trust in information sharing, and privacy in information sharing); Information awareness motivation with sub-factors (gaining awareness of the results and consequences of information sharing behavior, information and knowledge sharing, exchange of knowledge and information, exchange of experience and scientific considerations affected by the results and consequences of information sharing in information environments); Political motivation with sub-factors (political issues and sensitivities in society, the existence of a sense of political security in society, the distribution and transfer of political information from one person, group, or organization to another, and the sharing of ideas and thoughts, suggestions, and experiences); Information sharing environment with sub-agents (formal gatherings, friendly meetings and informal gatherings and social networks to share information in information environments) and finally how to share information with sub-agents (direct plan of topics, indirect plan of topics and how to share information in Women's information environments were with information taken from social networks, family periodicals, etc.) , which by measuring in the experimental environment of public libraries of Mazandaran province, while confirming their efficiency in cultural environments, it was determined that the built tools are qualitatively and quantitatively capable has the measurement of the desired variable. Therefore, it is suggested:
  • Necessary conditions to strengthen information sharing in information environments should be provided.
  • New solutions for the optimal management of information sharing in information environments should be considered.
  • Ways to create a positive attitude to promote and grow information sharing in information environments should be developed.
  • An integrated approach of interaction and optimal communication for information sharing in information environments should be adopted.
  • Training and providing all kinds of skills and specialized information for information sharing in information environments are essential.
  • Motivating, encouraging, and promoting the use of information environments for information sharing should be prioritized.
  • Identifying and determining the levels of access to information in information environments is crucial.


Page 1 from 1     

© 2024 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Human Information Interaction

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb