Jonene Cook EDTC 5103 The Use and Purpose of Cell Phones Jonene Cook EDTC 5103 Spring 10

Hypotheses: Older users (33+) use cell phones more for calls, and when they do text, it is done in traditional writing as opposed to text speak. Their younger counterparts use their phones for multiple purposes More than talking Such as texting and web surfing And engage in text speak in their communication

The Environment The survey was administered in a limited/focused environment Survey participants are employed by or attend Northern Oklahoma College in Stillwater

The Survey: Question 1 I use my cell phone exclusively for calls. Younger respondents were less likely to only use their cell phones for calls. Older respondents were more widely distributed.

The Survey: Question 2 I use my cell phone for calls & texting. Nearly all respondents were likely to use their cell phones for calls and texting.

The Survey: Question 3 I use my cell phone for calls, texting, & web surfing. Older respondents were not as likely to use their cell phones for accessing the internet; younger respondents were much more likely to use their cell phones for internet.

The Survey: Question 4 I use my cell phone for texting more than talking. Younger respondents were more likely to text than talk, while older respondents were more divided in their uses, possibly indicating a more balanced use by older respondents.

The Survey: Question 5 When I text, I use “text speak” or short- hand. Younger respondents were more spread out in their use of text speak; older respondents were less likely to use text speak.

Interesting Trends Sorting data by gender, Question 5 Male respondents were less likely to use text speak when text messaging.

Interesting Trends Sorting data by level of education, Question 3 Respondents who hold advanced degrees were less likely to use their cell phones to access websites.

Interesting Trends Sorting data by level of education, Question 4 Respondents who are currently in college were more likely to text more than talk, while those who hold degrees, or advanced degrees were more likely to use cell phones more equally.

Interesting Trends Sorting data by level of education, Question 5 Respondents who hold advanced degrees were less likely to use text speak; degree- holders were divided; the majority of those pursuing degrees currently were less likely to use text speak, but there was some spread in that group.

Conclusions Regarding users’ habits, both older and younger respondents report using phone more for texts and calls, rather than just calls, contrary to the original hypothesis. However, older respondents were less likely to use text speak, affirming that part of the hypothesis.

Conclusions Affirming the original hypothesis, younger users were more likely to use their cell phones for calls, texts, and internet access than their counterparts. Additionally, younger users were also more likely to text rather than call.

Further Studies Should this study be continued, I would continue exploring correlations between age and use. I would continue exploring trends in cell phone use sorting data according to level of education as well. Additionally, I would compare the NOC environment responses to a more broad sampling pool.