Higher Levels Of Social Interaction Research Articles

Adolescent social housing protects against adult emotional and cognitive deficits and alters the PFC and NAc transcriptome in male and female C57BL/6J mice.

Adolescence is a critical period in cognitive and emotional development, characterized by high levels of social interaction and increases in risk-taking behavior including binge drinking. Adolescent exposure to social stress and binge ethanol have individually been associated with the development of social, emotional, and cognitive deficits, as well as increased risk for alcohol use disorder. Disruption of cortical development by early life social stress and/or binge drinking may partly underlie these enduring emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects. The study goal is to implement a novel neighbor housing environment to identify the effects of adolescent neighbor housing and/or binge ethanol drinking on (1) a battery of emotional and cognitive tasks (2) adult ethanol drinking behavior, and (3) the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex transcriptome. Adolescent male and female C57BL/6J mice were single or neighbor housed with or without access to intermittent ethanol. One cohort underwent behavioral testing during adulthood to determine social preference, expression of anxiety-like behavior, cognitive performance, and patterns of ethanol intake. The second cohort was sacrificed in late adolescence and brain tissue was used for transcriptomics analysis. As adults, single housed mice displayed decreased social interaction, deficits in the novel object recognition task, and increased anxiety-like behavior, relative to neighbor-housed mice. There was no effect of housing condition on adolescent or adult ethanol consumption. Adolescent ethanol exposure did not alter adult ethanol intake. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that adolescent housing condition and ethanol exposure resulted in differential expression of genes related to synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens and genes related to methylation, the extracellular matrix and inflammation in the prefrontal cortex. The behavioral results indicate that social interaction during adolescence via the neighbor housing model may protect against emotional, social, and cognitive deficits. In addition, the transcriptomics results suggest that these behavioral alterations may be mediated in part by dysregulation of transcription in the frontal cortex or the nucleus accumbens.

Vulnerable Neighbourhoods, Disaffiliated Populations? A Comprehensive Index of Social Capital and Social Infrastructure in Barcelona

This article aims to understand the probable links between social capital and social infrastructure. The inclusion of these two dimensions into urban analysis may help to better understand the nature and characteristics of the relationships between the built environment and the level of organisation of the residents, and whether these have an impact on the vulnerability of the territories. Through use of statistical techniques (visual grouping and cluster analysis, among others), this article seeks to construct a comprehensive measure of social capital, as well as a comprehensive index of social infrastructure. These two in combination show, as the main results, that the characteristics of the built environment may promote higher levels of social interaction, also leading to higher levels of civic engagement and participation. However, the results also suggest that this relationship may be bidirectional. Finally, the mapping of the two indices applied in the city of Barcelona is presented and these results are compared with a previously constructed index of vulnerability for the same territory, allowing an overall better understanding of Barcelona’s socio-urban behaviour.

Effects of Assisted Reproductive Technologies on Social Behavior of BTBR Mice – A Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The present work is the first attempt to study the effect of such assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), as in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos on the social behavior of offspring, using BTBR mice (BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J) as an idiopathic model of a-utism. The C57BL/6J mice were used as controls. Social behavior was studied in adult offspring mice obtained after in vitro culture and embryo transfer (ET) (groups ET-C57BL/6J and ET-BTBR). The BTBR mice demonstrated the reduced levels of social recognition and affiliation compared to C57BL/6J mice. The social affiliation and recognition test revealed that ET-C57BL/6J males had a high level of social interaction, which was of similar magnitude as in naturally conceived C57BL/6J males. However, ET-C57BL/6J and ET-BTBR females demonstrated a decrease in interest to a new stranger compared to naturally conceived controls of the same sex, which was revealed in a social recognition session of this test. Thus, the in vitro culture affected the social recognition in the offspring of C57BL/6J and BTBR mice, but only in females.

Correlation Between Obesity, Emotional, Social Well-being, and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents

Obesity is considered a multivariate syndrome, which negatively affects the whole body's functioning. Poor health conditions resulting from obesity may act as a barrier to developing a sound mind, thus paving the way for poor learning behavior and outcome. This study explored the correlation between obesity, emotional and social well-being, and adolescent behavioral problems. A quantitative approach using descriptive-correlational design was employed. The 120 students served as respondents to the study. The following research instruments were used: Respondents’ Profile Questionnaire, Respondents’ Emotional Well-being Questionnaire, Respondents’ Social Well-being Questionnaire, and Respondents' Behavioral Problems Questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data gathered. There were more overweight than obese among the respondents of the study. Results showed that respondents' well-being is high as they manifest a low level of stress and emotional eating. In addition, they manifest a high level of social interaction and a low level of behavioral problems. The respondents' social well-being as social contact was greatly influenced by the respondents' level of obesity. Other variables and constructs were not affected by their level of obesity. It is recommended that stakeholders in education, sports, and health put a mechanism to guide all school learners to participate in physical activities. Keywords : learning behavior, level of stress, multivariate syndrome, poor health condition, social interaction

Parents’ view on the effect of online games on social interaction of adolescents with intellectual disability

Background: Using games as a medium to master certain learning outcomes enables students to explore and understand the world around, which is important for students with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the potential effects of online games on social interaction of adolescents with intellectual disability, and how parents view these effects. Method: This study employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental, pre-test and post-test and follow up design. Descriptive approach is also employed to investigate how parents view effects of online games on social interaction of adolescents with intellectual disability. To test the third hypothesis, qualitative method through interview was employed. 40 adolescents with mild ID aged between 15 and 18 years and who were enrolled in the ID Inclusion program, as well as their parent/guardian were recruited. Results: On the basis of the statistical analysis, It was observed a significant effect on adolescents with ID’s social interaction capability. Looking at between-group differences, the groups were statistically significantly different in their levels of social interaction at the end of the intervention, with participants in the experimental group exhibiting significantly higher levels of social interaction in comparison to the controls. Conclusion: This study provides a potential support to the effectiveness of online games on social interaction of adolescents with intellectual disability. The main conclusion arising from these findings is the need to broaden the study of online games and their possible benefits to other variables than social interaction, such as cognitive variables and diverse populations, especially those with ID and autism.

A Contingency Approach to the Impacts of Impression Management on Individual Performance

Due to today's business environment in which the task interdependence and team-based work is increasing, organizational members are experiencing a high level of social interaction in their organizational life. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the effects of impression management tactics used by employees in their interaction and the contingencies that strengthen their effectiveness. In this background, this study investigates the effects of impression management tactics such as ingratiation and self-promotion on individual performance. Then, it also tends to shed light on the contingencies that individual personality influences on the effectiveness of these tactics. Based on trait activation theory, it is hypothesized that extraversion and openness to experience strengthen the relationship between ingratiation and performance, while agreeableness weakens the influence of self-promotion on performance. I collected research data from a survey with 22 employees in a Korean organization. As a result, self-promotion was found to have a positive effect on individual performance evaluated by a supervisor, whereas the effect of ingratiation was not significant. Predictions on moderating effects were all supported.

AR Computer-Assisted Learning for Children with ASD based on Hand Gesture and Voice Interaction

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), innovative computer-assisted solutions can provide useful teaching, learning, and support tools. Speech, video, narrative, and a mix of 2D/3D images of virtual objects shown on screens and mobile phones can help to improve the learning experience. Augmented Reality (AR) presents a valuable technology for achieving certain educational objectives. This study presents a gesture and voice-based learning framework for children with ASD that offers interactivity, engagement, and visual support during school/cognitive therapy sessions. The proposed prototype was designed to increase children's engagement and focus during the session and achieve a high level of social interaction and inclusion. It was implemented in accordance with the requirements of specialists from regional rehabilitation centres for children with ASD and structured activities and AR-based games were defined. A multi-baseline feasibility pilot study was carried out with 18 children, aged 2–12 years, diagnosed with ASD and with learning difficulties (concentration and language development problems, social interaction and inclusion), and 3 therapists/parents. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative results show significantly higher engagement and concentration time using the proposed AR-computer system compared to a non-computer condition. In addition to improved receptive vocabulary and social interaction for the children, the prototype reduces teacher workload while engaging the children.

How COVID-19 Impacted The Tacit Knowledge and Social Interaction of Global NPD Project Teams

Overview: Multinational, technology-intensive companies routinely use globally distributed R&D teams, but COVID-19 represented an additional challenge. Lockdowns and home-office working severely limit human interaction and can impact the communication, social interaction, and knowledge sharing critical to successful R&D. Our study investigated how COVID-19 affected R&D processes at three global companies, using a project complexity perspective. Although R&D managers responsible for global projects are accustomed to the challenges of managing communications, the fact that teams were forced into home-office working made new product development more difficult in several ways. Ensuring that technical details are understood by all members of dispersed teams is crucial. Of particular note, and central to our findings, is the emphasis that R&D managers placed on maintaining a high level of social interaction in their teams, and special efforts were needed to keep interactions at a sufficient level to foster the generation and transfer of tacit knowledge. The findings have strong implications for the way that R&D project management is likely to be conducted in a post-COVID-19 world, and we demonstrate how the complexity framework we used can benefit managers in navigating this and other challenges.

Students' Social Interaction, Collaborative Learning, and Perceived Learning in an Online Learning Environment

Learning is a social process, but limited studies have explored the degree of social interaction and collaborative learning in an online learning environment and whether these variables foster students' perceived learning. This descriptive-correlational research determined the level of students' social interaction, collaborative learning, and perceived learning in the online learning environment and analyzed the relationships between these three (3) variables. The data were gathered using online survey questionnaires distributed to 288 conveniently sampled teacher education students from a state university in an eastern province of the Philippines. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results revealed a high level of social interaction, collaborative learning, and perceived learning in an online learning environment, and a significant relationship among the variables was also noted. Thus, teachers should encourage social interaction and collaborative learning among students to foster learning in an online learning environment.

Investigating self-regulation in the context of a blended learning computing course

PurposeMassive open online courses (MOOCs) provide an innovative educational technology, which has become widely used for distance learning by independent learners. However, there has been little work so far to study the effects of using MOOCs as part of a blended classroom approach in which learning activities take place both online and in a traditional classroom setting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the aspects of blended MOOC usage in the context of a computing course for first-year undergraduates at a UK university.Design/methodology/approachThe MOOC was implemented on a purpose-built platform that supports learners to make informed choices about their learning path. This research investigates students’ capacity for self-regulated learning (SRL) and understands their preparedness for independent study, profile the general areas of SRL strength and weakness, which may affect their ability to learn effectively in a self-directed environment. An existing survey instrument, based on a six-dimensional conceptualization of SRL was adapted to investigate the self-regulation in the MOOC study.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the dimensions of self-evaluation and time management represent particular areas of weakness for these students. Furthermore, profiles of SRL for individual students show considerable differences in capability within the study. However, the deficiencies in SRL dimensions contrast with the students’ of generally high levels of attainment. This leads us to question the validity of the existing SRL. Furthermore, a high level of social interaction and help-seeking was reported in relation to the MOOC study indicating the increasing importance of social learning and the importance of co-regulation for SRL.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study presents findings from a small data sample, it points to a number of areas for future implementation and exploration. Firstly, in line with the action research approach, students’ SRL could, in the future, be tested early in the course with the MOOC component being ideally placed to provide personalised support for each student in aspects which they may benefit from developing further. Secondly, for students in the cohort studied in this paper, a longitudinal study will track how their SRL develops as they progress through the degree. We feel that it is important to gain further qualitative data to understand how students work in practice and the strategies they adopt when confronted with different modes of learning. Finally, it is necessary to consider the conceptualisation of SRL to understand if existing instruments could be adapted to provide a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of learners’ self-regulation.Originality/valueThere has been little research on the effects of using a MOOC as the online component of a blended classroom learning approach. This study has used a theoretical perspective of SRL to investigate the approaches to self-regulation adopted by undergraduate computer science students studying in a blended MOOC environment. The MOOC used for this purpose was developed on the innovative eLDa platform, allowing students to determine, track and visualise their individual path through topics and materials offered in the MOOC.

The impact of social factors, especially psychological worries on anxiety and depression in patients with epilepsy

BackgroundSocial factors are believed to affect mental health in patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, there is still a lack of sufficient manifest proof, given the difficulty of exposing PWE to relatively consistent natural social environments with a low or high level of social interaction to study their significant role. MethodsThis single-center, longitudinal study was conducted via online questionnaires during the coronavirus disease 2019. PWE were recruited from downtown Wuhan and surrounding areas. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to assess psychological status. ResultsWe analyzed 588 questionnaires completed by 294 PWE who participated in the dual survey. Under lockdown and reopening, the prevalence of anxiety was 13.6%/22.5%, and the prevalence of depression was 19.4%/34.0%. Raising children and seizure-related characteristics, including uncontrolled seizures, seizure exacerbation, seizure frequency ≥ 2/m, and changes in drug regimen, were risk factors in the first and second surveys. A high education level (OR = 1.946, 95% CI = 1.191–3.182), low life satisfaction (OR = 1.940, 95% CI = 1.007–3.737), worry about unanticipated seizures (OR = 2.147, 95% CI = 1.049–4.309), and worry about purchasing medication outside (OR = 2.063, 95% CI = 1.060–4.016) were risk factors for higher scores after reopening. Worry about unanticipated seizures (OR = 3.012, 95% CI = 1.302–6.965) and in-person medical consultation (OR = 2.319, 95% CI = 1.262–4.261) were related to newly diagnosed patients with psychological disorder after reopening. ConclusionsWe identified an association between social variables and epileptic psychiatric comorbidities.

Identifikasi Karakteristik Ruang Bersama pada Permukiman Nelayan Untuk Optimalisasi Peremajaan Permukiman dengan Konsep Co-Living (Studi Kasus Kelurahan Kangkung, Kota Bandar Lampung)

Housing and settlements are basic needs of every human being as a place to grow and develop. In developing countries, rapid population growth results in scarcity of land and housing, especially for low-income people. Thus, slums grow on the top, edges, plains, hills and disaster-prone areas. Various initiatives to rejuvenate slums have been carried out, but have not completely succeeded in eliminating slums. Limited institutional and funding resources require an innovative approach in rejuvenating slum settlements to be more efficient, which has a significant impact on the community. The characteristics of slum settlements that are dense and have a limited residential area also require innovation to meet decent housing standards. In addition, the value of togetherness and the high level of social interaction between residents of urban villages is a potential that can be integrated in the rejuvenation of slums. In line with these challenges and potentials, co-living, the concept of living together, by sharing space for common use, is an approach that can be applied in efforts to rejuvenate settlements. As a maritime and archipelagic country, one of the characteristics of settlements that often develop in Indonesia is fishermen's settlements in coastal areas. In this study, a study was conducted on the common spaces in the fishermen's settlement of Kangkung Village, Bandar Lampung. This common room is usually used by the community to interact or carry out their activities either in the morning, afternoon, evening or night. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of the common space in fishing settlements, as well as the characteristics of its users. The handling of this common space can be prioritized to improve the social and economic conditions of the community, while at the same time providing a significant impact not only for individuals, but also for wider community groups. The research method used in this study is a qualitative inductive approach, with data sourced from field observations and interviews with stakeholders in fishing settlements, both community and government representatives. The results of this study have identified at least five shared spaces in the fishing settlements of Kangkung Village, namely markets, ports and fish auction sites (TPI), waterfront areas, road corridors and public toilets.

Terapi Applied Behavior Analysis Meningkatkan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autisme Umur 7-12 Tahun

This study aims to determine the effect of applied behavior analysis therapy on social interaction in children with autism aged 7-12 years at SDLB SLB Negeri 2 Buleleng. The type of this research is pre-experimental research with one group pre-post test design. The results of the univariate analysis, most of the respondents were male 53 respondents (85.5%), the level of moderate social interaction was 46 respondents (74.2%) autistic children before being given treatment, and the high level of social interaction was 40 respondents (64, 5%) autistic children after being given treatment. The results of this study indicate an effect of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy with a high level of social interaction totaling 40 respondents (64.5%) of autistic children after being given treatment. The results of data analysis with the Wilcoxon test get a value of 0.000 or p <α (0.05). In conclusion, Applied Behavior Analysis therapy has an effect on social interaction in children with autism aged 7-12 years at SDLB SLB Negeri 2 Buleleng.
 
 Keywords: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, Social Interaction

New Social Horizons: Anxiety, Isolation, and Animal Crossing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Increased participation in activities has been associated with improved positive mental health outcomes. However, there is much debate regarding the net effects of video games on individuals. Typified as a socially isolating activity, many games inherently contain socialization within the environment with game-generated characters or other players. Coinciding with the time of the initial pandemic/quarantine period was the release of a popular socializing and life simulation game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. We investigated whether participation in this game was related to emotional outcomes associated with pandemics (e.g., loneliness and anxiety). The relationship between deleterious mental health and social gaming, amid a time of enforced reduction in socializing, would allow us to isolate the impact of the introduction of a social video game on improving the quality of life for players of this game. Participants (n = 1053) were asked about their time spent playing video games via an online survey, their socialization in game play, loneliness, and anxiety. We predicted that participants with higher levels of social interaction within the game would report less loneliness and anxiety. Utilizing multiple linear regression analyses, the research found that increased gaming and related activities were predictive of higher anxiety and somewhat related to increased loneliness. However, increased visits to another island were associated with lower levels of loneliness. As such, players may be utilizing gaming as a coping mechanism for anxiety. This research may inform generalized research regarding the influence that social games may have on feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

The paradox of productivity during quarantine: an agent-based simulation.

Economies across the globe were brought to their knees due to lockdowns and social restriction measures to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2, despite the quick switch to remote working. This downfall may be partially explained by the “water cooler effect”, which holds that higher levels of social interaction lead to higher productivity due to a boost in people’s mood. Somewhat paradoxically, however, there are reports of increased productivity in the remote working scenario. Here we address quantitatively this issue using a variety of experimental findings of social psychology that address the interplay between mood, social interaction and productivity to set forth an agent-based model for a workplace composed of extrovert and introvert agent stereotypes that differ solely on their propensities to initiate a social interaction. We find that the effects of curtailing social interactions depend on the proportion of the stereotypes in the working group: while the social restriction measures always have a negative impact on the productivity of groups composed predominantly of introverts, they may actually improve the productivity of groups composed predominantly of extroverts. Our results offer a proof of concept that the paradox of productivity during quarantine can be explained by taking into account the distinct effects of the social distancing measures on extroverts and introverts.Graphic abstract

Eksperimentasi Model Pembelajaran Think Pair and Share (TPS) dengan Pendekatan Saintifik pada Materi Fungsi Ditinjau dari Interaksi Sosial Siswa

The purpose of this study is to find out which gives better mathematics learning achievement in the TPS type cooperative learning model with a scientific approach, students with high, medium, or low levels of social interaction on the subject matter of function. This research is a quasi-experimental study. The population is all eighth grade students of state junior high schools in Ngawi Regency 2016/2017 school year. The sampling technique uses stratified cluster random sampling, so that students are obtained at SMP Ngrambe 3, SMP Negeri 2 Paron, and SMP Negeri 2 Widodaren as a research sample of 90 students. Data collection instruments used achievement tests and student social interaction questionnaires. Hypothesis testing using analysis of variance (anava) one cell path is not the same. The conclusion of this study is the type of TPS cooperative learning model with a scientific approach to students with high levels of social interaction provides better mathematics learning achievement compared to students with moderate and low levels of social interaction, and mathematics learning achievement of students with moderate levels of social interaction as well compared to students with levels of interaction socially low in providing mathematics learning achievement on the subject matter of function.

Time, space, money, and social interaction: Using machine learning to classify people’s mobility strategies through four key dimensions

Previous activity-based studies have shown that behavioural outcomes are the result of complex and multidimensional processes. In this context, identifying and characterizing discrete mobility profiles through the classification of people’s behavior is particularly attractive. By facilitating the interpretation of complex, multidimensional processes, such an exercise could help to efficiently target transport policy decisions. The purpose of this paper is to identify mobility strategy profiles considering four key dimensions: time, space, money, and social interaction. Data from a seven-day activity, travel, expenditure, and social interaction diary applied to a sample of residents from the city of Concepción, Chile, is used. A two-step approach based on machine learning techniques is adopted. First, we use a Self-Organizing Map algorithm to identify seven distinct mobility strategies, each characterized by distinctive behaviors. These profiles are identified through 18 weekday and weekend daily behavior variables measuring the four key dimensions mentioned above, with an explicit focus on transport mode use. In the second step, we use a Decision Tree algorithm to profile the mobility strategies by means of personal and household sociodemographic variables. The results show interesting links among the dimensions of analysis within these profiles, such as connections between monetary expenditure on leisure and daily social interaction, and that profiles with higher private vehicle modal split tend to present higher levels of social interaction with people in their social network than public transit users.

Connections with nature for people living with dementia

Purpose The benefits of “green dementia care”, whereby people living with dementia are supported to connect with nature, are increasingly being recognised. Evidence suggests that these benefits span physical, emotional and social spheres and can make a significant contribution towards quality of life. However, care settings often present specific challenges to promoting such connections due to a range of factors including risk-averse cultures and environmental limitations. The purpose of this paper is to report on a project that aims to explore the opportunities, benefits, barriers and enablers to interaction with nature for people living with dementia in residential care and extra care housing schemes in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 144 responses to an online survey by managers/staff of extra care housing schemes and care homes in the UK. In depth-case studies were carried out at three care homes and three extra care housing schemes, involving interviews with residents, staff and family carers. Findings A wide variety of nature-based activities were reported, both outdoor and indoor. Positive benefits reported included improved mood, higher levels of social interaction and increased motivation for residents, and greater job satisfaction for staff. The design and layout of indoor and outdoor spaces is key, in addition to staff who feel enabled to promote connections with nature. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a relatively small research project in which the participants were self-selecting and therefore not necessarily representative. Practical implications The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes. Social implications Outdoor activities can promote social interaction for people living with dementia in care settings. The authors’ findings are relevant to the recent policy focus on social prescribing. Originality/value The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes.

The motivations of Chinese hikers: data from Ningbo

ABSTRACT Hiking has emerged as an activity growing in popularity. One reason lies in the significant investment being made in hiking trails by the Chinese government, while equally many Chinese find hiking attractive because trail construction permits safe hiking and high levels of social interaction. This study of 579 Chinese hikers on trails in Ningbo, Zhejiang, uses multinomial logistic regression analysis to ascertain their motives based on responses to questionnaires. The questionnaire were premised on concepts derived from the Leisure Motivation and Satisfaction Scales devised by Beard and Ragheb as amended by direct observation of Chinese hiking behaviours. It was found that while Chinese interpret some items differently to their Western counterparts it was possible to use many of the items. The primary motivations appear to value social interaction and perceived health benefits. Recommendations are made for potential management action.

The relationship between social presence and cognitive load

PurposeAs online learning has become more prevalent, how learners interact with each other in those learning environments has become more salient. To develop effective levels of interaction, students must feel comfortable to express their ideas and views. For this reason, this paper aims to look at how individual students’ levels of social presence affect germane cognitive load. Germane cognitive load is the amount that students are able to construct schema and can be seen as analogous to learning.Design/methodology/approachThis study looks at the results of survey data (n = 433) that investigate the relationship between social presence and germane cognitive load. The students were surveyed from the Open Cyber University of Korea in the fall semester of 2018.FindingsThe present study found a statistically significant positive relationship between social presence and germane cognitive load. The study found a Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.595. Furthermore, the sample was divided into a high, medium and low grouping of social presence. Among these groupings, the high level social presence had the highest level of germane cognitive load, and the low level social presence had the lowest level of germane cognitive load.Originality/valueThis result shows the importance and value of developing levels of social presence in online environments. Some research has shown relationships between student interaction and learning, but the present study looks directly at social presence and germane cognitive load. From this research, the authors can see the value of encouraging higher levels of social interaction in online learning environments.