Showing papers on "Interpersonal communication published in 1984"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore how people participate in computer-mediated communication and how computerization affects group efforts to reach consensus, and they find that participants are more likely to report negative effects of computer mediated communication on their mental health.
Abstract: As more and more people use computers for communicating, the behavioral and societal effects of computer-mediated communication are becoming critical research topics. This article describes some of the issues raised by electronic communication, illustrates one empirical approach for investigating its social psychological effects, and discusses why social psychological research might contribute to a deeper understanding of computer-mediated communication specifically and of computers and technological change in society more generally. One objective of our research is to explore how people participate in computer-mediated communication and how computerization affects group efforts to reach consensus. In experiments, we have shown differences in participation, decisions, and interaction among groups meeting face to face and in simultaneous computer-linked discourse and communication by electronic mail. We discuss these results and the design of subsequent research to highlight the many researchable social psychological issues raised by computing and technological change. Computer technologies are improving so swiftly these days that few of us comprehend even a small part of the change. Computers are transforming work and, in some cases, lives. Whether eager for this or resistant, many people believe the organizational, social, and personal effects of computers will be deeply felt (De Sola Poole, 1977; Hiltz & Turoff, 1978; Kling, 1980). Today, no one can predict in any detail the nature of the transformations that computers will bring, but one aspect of life that will certainly be affected is communication. The use of electronic mail and messages, long-distance blackboards, computer bulletin boards, instantaneously transferable data banks, and simultaneous computer conferences is reportedly advancing "like an avalanche" (Stockton, 1981; also see Kraemer, 1981). The U.S. federal judiciary, for example, is using electronic mail to speed the circulation of appellate opinion drafts among panels of judges (Weis, 1983). Computer conferences are being used for such legal proceedings as admission of evidence, trial scheduling, giving parties access to documents, and expert interrogation (Bentz & Potrykus, 1976; "Party-Line Plea," 1981). Other government agencies, such as the Department of Defense, as well as private firms, such as Westinghouse Corporation and Xerox Corporation, and some universities, use computer-mediated communication extensively for both routine transfer of data and nonroutine interpersonal communication and project work (e.g., Licklider & Vezza, 1978; U.S. Department of Commerce, 1977; Wang Corporation, 1982). Computer-mediated communication was once confined to technical users and was considered somewhat arcane. This no longer holds true. Computer-mediated communication is a key component of the emerging technology of computer networks. In networks, people can exchange, store, edit, broadcast, and copy any written document. They can send data and messages instantaneously, easily, at low cost, and over long distances. Two or more people can look at a document and revise it together, consult with each other on critical matters without meeting together or setting up a telephone conference, or ask for and give assistance interactively (Hiltz & Turoff, 1978; Williams, 1977). Networks, and hence computer-mediated communications, are proliferating at a tremendous rate. In addition to the older long-distance networks that connect thousands of scientists, professionals, and managers (e.g., the Department of Defense's ARPANET, GTE's TELENET), there are more and more local-area networks that link up computers within a region, city, or organization (e.g., Nestar System's CLUSTERBUS, Xerox's ETHERNET, Ford Aerospace's FLASHNET, and Wang Laboratories' WANGNET). Stimulating this growth are the decreasing costs and the advantages of networks over stand-alone systems, such as sharing high-speed printers and access to a common interface for otherwise incompatible equipment. The future of this technology cannot be foretold, but it is far from arcane. The functions and impact of computer-mediated communication are still poorly understood. Critical information (such as who uses it for what purposes) October 1984 • American Psychologist Copyright 1984 by the American Psychological Aisociation, Inc. Vol. 39, No. 10, 1123-1134 1123 is lacking, and the social psychological significance is controversial (see, e.g., Turoff, 1982). Computers could make communication easier, just as the canning of perishables and the development of can openers made food preparation easier, or they could have much more complex implications. For instance, access to electronic communication may change the flow of information within organizations, altering status relations and organizational hierarchy. When a manager can receive electronic mail from 10,000 employees, what happens to existing controls over participation and information? When people can publish and distribute their own electronic newspaper at no cost, does the distribution of power change too? When communication is rapid and purely textual, do working groups find it easier or harder to resolve conflict? These unanswered questions illustrate that, although the technology may be impressive, little systematic research exists on its psychological, social, and cultural significance. Given such conditions it seems sensible to try to understand the fundamental behavioral, social, and organizational processes that surround computer-mediated communication. We believe that ideas and approaches from social psychology and other areas of behavioral science can be applied to these questions. This article is meant to describe some of the issues raised by electronic communication; to illustrate, from our own work, one empirical approach for investigating them; and to show why social psychological research might contribute to a deeper understanding of electronic communication specifically and of computers and technological change in society more generally. We begin by citing some existing research on computer-mediated communication. Most of this research addresses the technical capabilities of the electronic technologies. Next, we consider the possible social psychological impact, and we discuss some hypotheses and some possible implications for the outcomes of communication. Finally, we describe some of our own experiments on social psychological aspects of computer-mediated communication, using these to indicate potential lines of future research.
2,187 citations
Book•
18 Jul 1984
TL;DR: The Interpersonal Approach to Understanding Depression (IPT) as discussed by the authors is a personal approach to depression that combines psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy to deal with the depression and diagnose the personal problems.
Abstract: * Overview of IPT The Interpersonal Approach To Depression * The Nature of DepressionsNormal and Clinical * The Interpersonal Approach * The Interpersonal Approach to Understanding Depression. Conducting Interpersonal Therapy Of Depression * Goals and Tasks of IPT * Dealing with the Depression and Diagnosing the Interpersonal Problems * Grief * Interpersonal Role Disputes * Role Transitions * Interpersonal Deficits * Termination of Treatment * Specific Techniques * An Integrative Case Example Selected Aspects Of IPT * Combining Psychotherapy with Pharmacotherapy * Problems Occasionally Encountered in the Therapy * The IPT Therapist: Professional Background, Role, and Training
1,199 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the themes used by married couples, dating couples, relatives, live-in friends, and non-live-in friend to interpret their current relational episodes, and found that dating couples used themes of commitment, fragility, and manipulation, while marital couples, family members, and live-insignificant others used themes such as involvement, work, and respect.
Abstract: This study explored the themes used by married couples, dating couples, relatives, live‐in friends, and non‐live‐in friends to interpret their current relational episodes. One hundred eighteen people participated in fifty‐five report tasks. Among the findings were that dating couples used themes of commitment, fragility, and manipulation, while marital couples, relatives, and live‐in friends used themes of involvement, work, and respect.
1,129 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: The first thorough review and analysis of the extensive research literature on nonverbal sex differences among infants, children, and adults can be found in this paper, where the authors summarized and explored data on non-verbal skill and style differences, including the sending and judging of nonverbal cues of emotion, facial expression, gaze, interpersonal distance, touch, body movement, and nonverbal speech characteristics.
Abstract: This is the first thorough review and analysis of the extensive research literature on nonverbal sex differences among infants, children, and adults. Judith A. Hall summarizes and explores data on nonverbal skill and style differences, including the sending and judging of nonverbal cues of emotion, facial expression, gaze, interpersonal distance, touch, body movement, and nonverbal speech characteristics. Popular authors and scholars alike have advanced the argument that women's low social status has accounted for their nonverbal skills and expressive style. Hall pays particular attention to examining this "oppressive hypothesis". Explanations for nonverbal sex differences surely have much to do with cultural expectations and social learning processes, she argues, but to unravel the exact causal influences is a complex task, one that has hardly begun.
844 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a Critique of Issues Model of Relationship Competence Implications and future directions for the concept of relationship competence in everyday life, and propose a concept of "competence competence" in communicating.
Abstract: Competent Communication in Everyday Life Approaches to the Conceptualization of Competence Competence in Communicating A Critique of Issues Model of Relationship Competence Implications and Future Directions
792 citations
289 citations
Journal Article•
253 citations
Journal Article•
245 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of the affinity-seeking function of communication is introduced and explicated, which describes ways people try to get others to like and feel positive about them.
Abstract: A model of the affinity‐seeking function of communication is introduced and explicated. The affinity‐seeking construct describes ways people get others to like and feel positive about them. The research is grounded in the presumption that people attempt to generate liking by using various communication strategies. Four questions were addressed in six studies: (1) How do people attempt to generate liking? (2) What is the relationship of affinity‐seeking to interpersonal attraction? (3) How do individual differences and situational contingencies constrain affinity‐seeking? and (4) What is the multivariate structure of affinity‐seeking? An inductively‐devised typology of affinity‐seeking strategies provided a reliable operationalization of the construct. Affinity‐seeking was strongly and positively related to interpersonal attraction, life satisfaction, and social effectiveness. In addition, strategy knowledge and strategy preferences were related to various personality variables and situational contingencie...
223 citations
186 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of friendship based on a conception of self and self-referent motivation is presented, in part, an effort to reconcile the observed rewardingness of friendship with its intrinsic, end-in-itself character.
Abstract: Some observations suggest that friendships are developed and maintained because they involve some form of reinforcement or interpersonal reward. Other observations suggest that friendship has an intrinsic, end-in-itself quality making it unnecessary, if not contradictory, to assume that friendships must be rewarding to be formed and sustained. The present paper outlines a model of friendship based on a conception of self and self-referent motivation. The model represents, in part, an effort to reconcile the observed rewardingness of friendship with its intrinsic, end-in-itself character.
Book•
01 May 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define the fundamental concepts of human communication and define the goals of communication and human behavior, as well as the basic functions of communication beyond S-M-R=E: the Adaptation Perspective.
Abstract: 1 Introduction-Definitions and Theories Why Study Communication? Theories: Guides for Analysis and Action Defining Communication Fundamentals of Communication Communication: A Definition Goals of Communication and Human Behavior 2 The Field of Communication Early Communication Study The 1900s - 1930s: Development of Speech and Journalism The 1940s and 1950s: Interdisciplinary Growth The 1960s: Integration The 1970s and Early 1980s: Growth and Specialization The Late 1980s - 1990s: The Information Age The Twenty-First Century: Communication Study Today 3 The Evolution of Communication Theory The Evolution of an Idea The Twentieth Century Communication Theory in the Twenty-First Century Reflections on the Evolution of Communication Theory 4 Communication--A Basic Life Process Communication Processes in Animals and Humans Communication Modes Basic Functions of Communication Beyond S-M-R=E: The Adaptation Perspective 5 Fundamentals of Human Communication The Communication Iceberg Visible Aspects of Communication Invisible Aspects of Communication 6 Message Reception Selection Interpretation Retention - Memory Receiver Influences Message (Information) Influences Source Influences Technological and Environmental Influences An Active and Complex Process 7 Verbal Messages Message Production Encoding and Decoding Process Versus Meaning-Centered Models of Communication The Nature of Language Language Acquisition Representation Conversation Social and Public Communication 8 Nonverbal Messages Similarities between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Differences between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Paralanguage The Face The Body Gestures-Kinesics Touch-Haptics Time-Chronemics Messages and Meanings: MS=MR 9 Media The Tool-Making Animal Media and Their Functions Types of Media Evolution of Communication Media: From Smoke Signals to the Internet Impact of Media on Contemporary Life Technological Convergence The International Scene Mediated Communication: A Mixed Blessing Media and the Quality of Life 10 The Individual Reaction, Action, and Interaction Interpretation Cognitive Development Self-Development Self-Expression Self-Awareness 11 Relationships Interpersonal Communication and Relationships Types of Relationships The Evolution of Relationships Relational Patterns Factors That Influence Patterns 12 Groups Groups: Fiction and Fact Why People Join Groups Types of Groups Group Development Group Culture: Symbols, Rules, and Codes Decision-Making Roles and Responsibilities Leadership Cohesiveness Conflicts in Groups Mediated Groups 13 Organizations Communication and Organizations Organizational Goals Roles and Responsibilities Management Functions Organizational Theories Communication Networks Organizational Culture Organizational Climate Organizational Diversity 14 Cultures and Societies The Nature of Culture The Relationship between Communication and Culture Characteristics of Culture The Role of Mediated Communication Cultural Adaptation Intercultural Communication Societies--Complex Cultural and Communication Systems Information Societies International Communication: The Global Village - Fact or Fiction 15 Public and Mass Communication What Is Public and Mass Communication? The Role of Public and Mass Communication Understanding Public Communication Understanding Mass Communication The Effects of Public and Mass Communication Index
TL;DR: The authors found that the degree to which marital inequality is associated with wife-beating is affected by the context of sexual inequality and that violence against wives is most severe in families that reside in states where the general status of women is fairly high relative to men, but in which the husband still dominates within the home.
Abstract: In the last decade, important progress has been made toward understanding the social causes of wife-beating However, the research has remained almost entirely on the individual or interpersonal level of analysis This article focuses on women's status at the societal level and marital inequality and violence, which are interpersonal-level variables Based on data from a number of national surveys, the contextual analysis suggests that the degree to which marital inequality is associated with wife-beating is affected by the context of sexual inequality Violence against wives is most severe in families that reside in states where the general status of women is fairly high relative to men, but in which the husband still dominates within the home
TL;DR: In this article, a taxonomy and preliminary investigation of social motivations for interpersonal communication is presented, with a focus on the white lies in interpersonal communication, and a discussion of the relationship between social motivations and interpersonal communication.
Abstract: (1984). White lies in interpersonal communication: A taxonomy and preliminary investigation of social motivations. Western Journal of Speech Communication: Vol. 48, No. 4, pp. 309-325.
TL;DR: The Pygmalion in the Classroom (PIC) experiment as mentioned in this paper demonstrated that the expectations teachers held for student performance influenced student achievement, based on a written examination, teachers were told that several students in their classes had shown a re-
Abstract: The Elementary School Journal Volume 85, Number 1 o 1984 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 0013-5984/85/8501-0006$01.00 In 1968, Robert Rosenthal and LenoreJacobson conducted an experiment that captured national attention. Their study, Pygmalion in the Classroom, demonstrated that the expectations teachers held for student performance influenced student achievement. In the study, teachers were told that, based on a written examination, several students in their classes had shown a re-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated potential personality predispositions to interpersonal conflict-handling behavior and found a significant relationship between subjects' decision-making preference (thinking-feeling) and their choice of conflict handling behavior.
Abstract: This study investigated potential personality predispositions to interpersonal conflict-handling behavior. The design of the study represents an advancement over previous research as both males and females were studied in a controlled context of conflict introduced via a business simulation game. Jungian personality dimensions and conflict-handling modes were assessed and a significant relationship was found between subjects' decision-making preference (thinking-feeling) and their choice of conflict-handling behavior. Some sex differences in conflict-handing behavior were also found. The findings of this study have implications for conflict management, personnel selection, and placement of individuals in organizations.
TL;DR: In this paper, stress was examined in a sample of dairy farm wives (N = 126) who completed a questionnaire measuring stress symptoms, husband support, farm and home task loads, and perceived role conflict between farm and homemaking responsibilities.
Abstract: Stress was examined in a sample of dairy farm wives (N = 126) who completed a questionnaire measuring stress symptoms, husband support, farm and home task loads, and perceived role conflict between farm and home responsibilities. A path analysis was utilized to assess the relative contribution to stress of work-related and family-related variables. Role conflict and husband support significantly predicted stress, while the relationships of home and farm task loads to stress were insignificant. Husband support also functioned as a coping mechanism mediating the stressful effects of role conflict. The results indicate that the content of home and work roles per se may not be as important as interpersonal dynamics in rural farm families.
TL;DR: The assumption is that word-of-mouth information made the difference and therefore, interpersonal communication must be more important than mass-media advertising in influencing movie selection decisions as mentioned in this paper, however, empirical investigations of the relative influence of different information sources on film selections, however, have been inconclusive.
Abstract: ,One of the most generally accepted beliefs about movie audiences is that their selection of films is strongly influenced by interpersonal communication.1 Anecdotal evidence is often cited to support this claim. Several movies with extremely small advertising budgets have gone on to become box-office successes, while other movies supported by extensive budgets have failed. The assumption is that wordof-mouth information made the difference and, therefore, interpersonal communication must be more important than massmedia advertising in influencing movie selection decisions. Empirical investigations of the relative influence of different information sources on film selections, however, have been
TL;DR: In view of the importance of interpersonal communication in the face-to-face selling interaction, the authors seeks to provide a more complete picture of the actual communication process by inte...
Abstract: In view of the importance of interpersonal communication in the face-to-face selling interaction, this discussion seeks to provide a more complete picture of the actual communication process by int...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined sexually intimate relationships in terms of developmental phases of relationship development and found significant nonlinear relationships among relationship phases were found on all four criteria, i.e., specific communication satisfaction, general communicative satisfaction, sexual communication satisfaction and interpersonal solidarity.
Abstract: This study examines sexually intimate relationships (n = 312) in terms of developmental phases of relationship development. Communication‐related indices —specific communication satisfaction, general communication satisfaction, sexual communication satisfaction, and interpersonal solidarity—were used as criteria for the level of relationship development. Significant nonlinear relationships among relationship phases were found on all four criteria. Differences on criteria means differentiated among six of seven developmental stages. Solidarity differentiated most finely (45% of the variance) among the phases and, together with sexual communication satisfaction, indicated disengagement stages more clearly.
TL;DR: In this article, the intra-ethnic communication of three ethnic groups (blacks, Hispanics and whites) was compared and self-report measures of satisfying communication were derived from the conversational descriptions of members of each group.