Resumen de Effect of waiting time on credibility, attraction, homophily, and anxiety‐hostility

Lawrence R. Wheeless, Stephen Jones, Lyle King

• This study investigated the effects of waiting time on perception of the source (credibility, attraction, homophily), receiver anxiety (state anxiety), and receiver hostility. Analysis or variance was utilized to test for differences in source perception related to waiting times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 minutes). Analysis of covariance, with PRCA and trait anxiety as covariates, was utilized to test for differences in anxiety and hostility resulting from waiting time inductions. Means plots indicated that Eta correlation would be the appropriate indicator of the magnitude of the relationships between waiting times and significant dependent variables.

  Perceived competence of the source was associated with waiting time. Apparently, the 45‐minute waiting time was the primary contributor to differences observed. The 45‐minute waiting time produced the most substantial reduction in competence. No significant effects were observed on other dimensions of source perception. Anxiety and hostility were also significantly affected by waiting time. Apparently, there is some association between waiting time and anxiety and hostility, particularly at the more extended waiting periods.