The central research question was investigated using a multidimensional
correlation design that examined the relationships between three dependent variables and
four independent variables. The three dependent variables included the different
consumer preferences for marketing communication delivery: (a) preference for
marketing information delivered by postal direct mail, (b) preference for marketing
information delivered via Internet-based channel, such as e-mail or communication via
social networking, whether accessed via computer or phone, and (c) no expressed
preference for either postal direct mail or Internet-based delivery of marketing
information. The four independent variables included the four factors within the MAS:
power-prestige, retention-time, distrust, and anxiety.