COMPUTER VS PAPER-BASED PRAGMATICS COMMUNICATION PERCEPTION: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Pragmatics entails the proper use of language for communication in any context, including the linguistic adjustments (context, expression mode, body language, appropriateness) needed to accomplish the communication goal. Pragmatics communication deficiencies may further lead to social dysfunction, unemployment and problems in family relationships. Computer or paper-based techniques can be used in the evaluation of pragmatics communication perception. Literature review quotes a rapid popularity of computer-based techniques. The aim of this preliminary study is to examine whether pragmatics perception using computer-based evaluation can produce similar results to its paper-based form. The gamified evaluation on pragmatics perception in Greek language was applied (i) in its paper-based form, and (ii) in its computer-based form with one-month time gap. The sample of the study was consisted of 40 (male:20; female:20) self-selected university students with non-communicative deficits. Data from all participants was analyzed with SPSS (v.21). Participants’ Total Score points, Response Time and number of Correct Responses for both procedures were compared with Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon non-parametric tests. The results of the study are presented in a detailed report on variables measuring the total score points, the Correct Responses and the Response Time (mean and standard deviation) for the paper-based and the computer-based form of the procedure according to gender. Comparing these two forms, statistically significant differences were noted especially regarding the Response Time. After applying the two forms of evaluating pragmatics perception, it was indicated that the computer-based form has a priority over the paper-based one. This study contributes towards cost effective innovative computer-based tools in education and healthcare at times of crisis.