Noting that the communication apprehension (CA) construct advanced more than a decade ago is restricted to talking, this paper points out that the construct now encompasses all modes of communication, including writing and singing. The first section of the paper examines current conceptualizations of the CA construct and compares these to other…

Examines the effect of varying the quality of evidence in a persuasive message. Concludes that, while good evidence may not be necessary to persuasive communication, poor evidence is detrimental. (PD)

Provides research data supporting the hypothesis that communication apprehension is negatively related to the amount of self-disclosure. (MH)

Defines a theory of communication apprehension and discusses it in terms of rhetoritherapy. (See preceding articles, EJ 227 456 and EJ 227 457.) Concludes that each of the two schools provides treatment for different problems. (JMF)

Contends that communication apprehension in the classroom results in reduced student communication and significantly reduced learning as measured by grades, overall average, and standardized achievement tests. (MH)

Concludes that traitlike communication apprehension (CA) was found to be a modest predictor of a form of audience-based CA, while a situational component was much stronger. (VLC)

Communication competence has been approached primarily from three perspectives in the communication literature: (1) as cognitive understanding of communication, (2) as a capability of performing certain communication skills, and (3) as achieving effective communication. Most scholars who write about communication competence view competence either…

Tests three rival measurement models of a common measure of trait communication apprehension, the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24). Finds that the second-order factor model better fits the data in terms of conceptual implications, psychometric properties, and empirical evidence than the linear, unidimensional model or the…

Current conceptualizations of the construct of "communication competence" are examined in this paper and are found to be problematic. The paper argues that "communication competence" must be distinguished from "communication performance" and sees neither as a reliable predictor of the other. The paper suggests that both research and pedagogy must…

Defines communication apprehension as "an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons", and summarizes research and theory in this specialized area of human communication. (MH)

Findings strongly support the content validity of the 24 items included in the instrument to measure communication apprehension. (PD)

Applied graduate programs in Communication are recommended as a desirable alternative for the future. Advantages of such programs are outlined and potential problems discussed. The Instructional Communication program at West Virginia University is described as an example of a successful applied graduate program. (JMF)

Because a review of literature revealed that no valid instrument for measuring a person's willingness to communicate existed, a willingness to communicate (WTC) instrument was developed. The basis of this construct is the assumption that willingness to communicate is a personality-based, trait-like predisposition which is fairly consistent across…

Reports results of a survey of department chairs in many disciplines regarding communication problems they face. Finds that most department heads experience serious communication problems in conflict management, persuading/motivating others, public relations, and information management. (SR)