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Group scholars often describe or conceptualize groups as having characteristics similar to those of individuals. For example, groups can be thought of as motivated or satisfied in degree. Describing groups in such terms assumes that members possess similar levels of the characteristic in question and that latent group-level processes influence convergence on that characteristic. The latent group model (LGM) offers conceptual and statistical means for assessing the structure of latent, group-level factors based on the convergence of variables measured at the individual level. This paper outlines the conceptual issues related to the LGM and offers a detailed example using interaction data from 4-person groups for estimating the model in SAS-SPSS, Mplus, and R syntax are provided in the appendixes. Applications and extensions of the LGM are discussed.

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In this article, we test a dynamic intracommunication process looking at the relationships between interpersonal discussion, perceived credibility of partisan media, and partisan media use. Using the theoretical foundation of hostile media perceptions, with a specific focus on relative hostile media, we examine whether interpersonal communication affects perceived credibility of liberal and conservative media outlets and whether these effects translate into increased use or avoidance of partisan media outlets. Using data collected during the 2016 U.S. election, we find that supportive interpersonal discussion is associated with greater perceived credibility of liberal media outlets (e.g., MSNBC) among liberals, which results in increased use of liberal leaning news outlets. In addition, we find that discussion with those who hold opposing views is associated with increased perceived credibility of conservative media outlets (e.g., Fox News) among conservatives, which translates into greater use of conservative leaning outlets. Similarly, talking to those who hold opposing views decreases perceived credibility of liberal media outlets (e.g., MSNBC) among conservatives, resulting in decreased use of liberal leaning outlets.

This research addressed whether exposure to media, which increasingly portrays hacker characters across diverse media domains, may predict perceptions of others' willingness to hack. Specifically, this study assessed how wishful identification with hacker characters may contribute to individuals' perception of hacking behaviors. One-hundred forty-nine North American participants were recruited using MTurk.com. Participants reported (1) their exposure to general media and perceived identification with a fictional hacker character, and (2) their perceived risks, payoffs, and estimated willingness of others to engage in hacker behaviors regarding a specific call to hack. Additionally, this research examined differences in the effects of media exposure on hacking likelihood between two types of hacks: financial hacking attacks and hacktivism attacks. Results show (1) that perceived payoffs of hacking, but not perceived risks, predict individuals' estimation of hacker behaviors, (2) a significant and positive indirect effect between media exposure and estimation of others' willingness to hack passes through wishful identification and perceived payoffs of hacking attacks, and (3) no significant differences in the above relationships between the two types of hacks. Together, these findings highlight that media exposure may increase positive perceptions of hackers and in turn increase the perception of pervasiveness and legitimacy of engaging in hacking behaviors. Can you name this TV show/movie character? Or what show/movie is he/she on?Decision Science Laboratory. She has developed a research program that examines social perception using multiple methods, multiple cultures, and multiple species. Her recent research addresses the impact of cyberlife engagement on social cognition and behavior.