The effects of media and task on user performance: A test of the task-media fit hypothesis

This research was designed to examine the task-media fit hypothesis, an ext ension to media richness theory that predicts the objective performance of various media for a number of task types. To examine this model, dyads comm unicating through face-to-face, videophone, telephone (i.e., audio-only com munication), or synchronous computer-mediated communication worked in a lab oratory experiment to address an intellective or negotiation task. The inte llective task required that each dyad member effectively share factual info rmation that each individual independently held. The negotiation task requi red that each dyad member effectively share preferences based on personal v alues and reach an agreement. The results of the study provide mixed suppor t for the task-media fit hypothesis. In general, the results for the negoti ation task largely supported the theory while the results for the intellect ive task did not support the theory. These results help to clarify limitati ons and provide extensions to the theory by demonstrating how variations in task processes and communication media act to mediate task performance. Th e implications of these results for future research and practice are discus sed.