Elizabeth E. Graham

A longitudinal study of college students’ communication competence

This research examines the development of communication competence in college students and how communication factors are related to college success. College students’ communication competence was assessed yearly for four years. Results suggested that communication competence decreased significantly during the sophomore year, but then increased the junior and senior years while communication apprehension and interaction involvement scores remained steady. These results were discussed in light of “sophomore slump,”; a period of change and uncertainty many college students experience. Also, communication apprehension, communication courses, and extracurricular communication experiences were the best predictors of college success.

Functions of humor in conversation: Conceptualization and measurement

The purpose of this research was to explore humor from a functional perspective. Twenty‐four functions of humor were derived from prior literature. Items representing these 24 functions were subjected to factor analysis resulting in an 11‐item “Uses of Humor Index.”; Three primary factors emerged from this analysis: positive affect, expressiveness, and negative affect. Initial validation of the Uses of Humor Index was achieved via a peer evaluation, a measure of sense of humor, and assessment of interpersonal competence in naturalistic conversations. The implications of this study for future research concerning the use of humor in social interaction and the influence of humor on perceptions of interpersonal competence are discussed.

Turning points and commitment in post‐divorce relationships

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the post‐divorce experience through identifying turning points, reported commitment level, and patterns characteristic of post‐divorce relationships. Eleven turning points were identified and mean change in commitment level was assessed via the Retrospective Interview Technique (RIT), which requires participants to plot their relational stories on a graph. Upon visual examination, five patterns of post‐divorce relationships emerged from a holistic assessment and categorization of all RIT graphs. Implications for the application of turning points to the study of post‐divorce relationships are discussed, and research directions identified.

The interpersonal communication motives model

This study tested a model of interpersonal communication motives and the construct validity of the Interpersonal Communication Motives Instrument (ICM). Specifically, we hypothesized that ICM would be differentially related to who we talk to, how we talk, and what we talk about. In Study 1, questionnaires were completed by 319 adults who rated their interpersonal communication motives to a target person at one of six relationship levels: stranger, formal friend, co‐worker, close friend, family member, and spouse/lover. Study 2 involved 586 adults who completed questionnaires assessing ICM, likelihood of self‐disclosure, and communicator style. Results indicated that more intimate relationship levels were better seen as fulfilling affection and inclusion motives. Escape and control were related to both the directive and active dimensions of communicator style. Breadth of disclosure was related to pleasure, affection, inclusion, and escape motives; depth of disclosure was related to inclusion, escape, and c...

THE INVOLVEMENT OF SENSE OF HUMOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

This investigation sought to understand the impact of sense of humor on relationship development. High and low sense of humor subjects were paired with moderate sense of humor partners and were instructed to interact for 30 minutes. A post‐interaction questionnaire tapped attributional confidence and the desire to interact in the future. Results indicated that a high, rather than a low, sense of humor facilitated the reduction of uncertainty and also served to reduce social distance between interactants. These findings provide support for the facilitative nature of humor in the development of interpersonal relations. Indeed, sense of humor is an engaging personality trait that has direct implications for social relationships.

Dialectic Contradictions in Postmarital Relationships

The purpose of this study was to identify dialectical contradictions endemic to the postmarital experience. Dialectic theory provides a framework for discussing the contradictory forces inherent in postmarital relationships. The frequency of three basic dialectical contradictions (autonomy-connection, openness-closedness, predictability-novelty) were culled from interviews with 34 divorced individuals. The identification of 355 dialectical contradictions suggests the utility of this framework for examining postmarital relationships. Implications for the application of dialectic theory for the study of postmarital relationships are discussed and research directions identified.

The impact of diagnosing skill deficiencies and assessment‐based communication training on managerial performance

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate an organizational diagnosis program that (a) commenced with the assessment of managerial communication skills and (b) provided the frame for follow‐up training programs. Two groups of managers (N = 96) participated in diagnostic assessment activities to evaluate their communication skills. One group of managers (N = 48) then received follow‐up communication skills training based on their assessed performance. Managers participating in communication skills training received significantly higher performance ratings on interpersonal skills, problem‐solving ability, and productivity over three long‐term assessments. Implications of these findings are discussed for corporate training programs and instructional development more generally.

The paradoxical influence of sex on communication rules coorientation and communication satisfaction in superior‐subordinate relationships

Is sex composition of superior‐subordinate dyads related systematically to communication rules coorientation and communication satisfaction? This study hypothesized that biological sex of the superior and the subordinate would affect coorientation and satisfaction. Specifically, it was predicted that coorientation and satisfaction for both parties would be lower in female superior/male subordinate relationships than in other conditions. Although interactions were observed at multivariate and univariate levels, the forms of the interactions were mixed. Generally, rules coorientation was higher in different‐sex than in same‐sex relationships, but communication satisfaction was lower. Several previous investigations along with the current study consistently indicate a positive relationship between coorientation and satisfaction, but sex composition of the superior‐subordinate dyad appears to mediate that relationship in a paradoxical way.

Measurement in Instructional Communication Research: A Decade in Review

Periodic assessment and scrutiny of the disciplines measurement practices, instruments, and research findings are necessary to provide clarity and direction by revealing what we know, how we know it, and where the knowledge gaps exist. Reflective reviews have produced ample appraisals of the theory, research, and methods employed in the conduct of instructional communication scholarship. The scope of the present effort is twofold and includes both description and critical assessment and evaluation of 21 instruments published post 2004 in journal outlets that traditionally feature instructional communication research. The reliability, validity, and usefulness of each measure are examined, measurement practices are critiqued, and problems are identified. The manuscript concludes by offering several recommendations for measurement in instructional communication research.

Interpersonal communication motives and perceptions of humor among elders

This study explored the relationship between interpersonal communication motives and perceptions of humor use among elders. Elders (N = 143) ranging in age from 50 to 94 completed questionnaires assessing their interpersonal communication motives (ICM), perceived uses of humor (UHI), and demographics. The hypotheses predicting differential relationships among uses of humor and motives for communicating were supported. Elder men and women differed in their ICM and UHI.