Tag: COMM 413

Taylor Bryant & Kylie Greenough

Engaging in Mindfulness During Conflict

This paper surveys literature pertaining to conflict and mindfulness as separate topics, as well as gives an overview of our study. This paper additionally includes preliminary results of the study that disproved our hypothesis stating that those who engage in the practice of interpersonal mindfulness will be more likely to achieve integrative outcomes during a conflict. The paper concludes by offering discussion for how these results are significant within the communications field and their application to our relationships. Furthermore, this paper is finalized by stating the limitations of this study and gives suggestions for how this study could be improved upon replication.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203

10 AM – Noon

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Chase Dean & Meagan Mollahan

The Effects of Willingness to Admit Wrongness on Romantic Partners’ Conflict Styles

Does humility and willingness to admit wrongness correlate with specific conflict styles between romantic partners? Researchers hypothesized that an individual’s high willingness to admit wrongness may have been correlated with the compromise, separation, and/or submission conflict styles. Researchers also hypothesized that an individual’s low willingness to admit wrongness may have been correlated with the domination, avoidance, and/or interactional reactivity conflict styles. The Norris Rotation was used to recruit participants. Participants were given the Willingness to Admit Wrongness scale, as well as the Romantic Partner Conflict Scale. Researchers found very weak correlations among admitting wrongness and each conflict style.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203

10 AM – Noon

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Carina Haas & Bethany Taylor

Are Mindful People More Loving and Kind?

Is mindfulness correlated with loving-kindness and compassion? Researchers used the Norris Rotation to recruit participants. Participants used the Loving-Kindness Compassion Scale and Mindfulness Scale. The researchers discovered that there is a moderately positive correlation between the two factors.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

L203

10 AM – Noon

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Paige Amstutz & Annelise Helbling

Verbal Aggressiveness and Humor

The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between verbal aggressiveness and humor. The hypothesis was that individuals who utilize a greater level of humor while communicating are less verbally aggressive and individuals that use less humor are more verbally aggressive. This study consisted of seventy-five people participating in a survey that was made up of two questionnaires. The questionnaires measured humor and verbal aggression. The participants’ sense of humor was measured as it related to the situation, level of detail, prior planning, and number of different humor behavior types. Verbal aggression was measured based on how individuals influenced others to do what they wanted. After we applied a Pearson correlation test, a minimal negative correlation resulted. However, the study did not support the hypothesis to a significant extent.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

10 AM – Noon

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Mary Grace Blaser & Tanner Dean

Non-Religiousness and Compassion: Correlation of the Religiousness Commitment Inventory and the Lovingkindness-Compassion Scale

Mental health has become a more prevalent topic in societal discussions. People are constantly searching for ways to improve their mental health. Religious commitment and lovingkindness-compassion both have a positive correlation to mental health. We wanted to ask the question, is there a correlation between religious commitment and lovingkindness-compassion? We thought that one did not have to have high religious commitment to have lovingkindness-compassion and vice versa. To test this hypothesis, we created a Google form that listed all the statements used in the religious commitment inventory and lovingkindness-compassion scale in which participants rated how true or untrue the statements were to them. After performing a Pearson test on the participant’s scores, the results showed that there is no correlation between religious commitment and lovingkindness-compassion.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

10 AM – Noon

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Katia Burke & Maddy Guiger

Collectivism in Connection to Child-Parent Communication Apprehension

Previous research has examined the correlation between collectivism and communication apprehension. This research has suggested a link between individuals who score higher in collectivism and the experience of communication apprehension. The present study sought to build upon this research and explore if a similar correlation exists between collectivism and child-parent communication apprehension. The hypothesis for this study was that participants who scored higher in collectivism would also score high in child-parent communication apprehension. This hypothesis was tested via a survey which collected participants’ measures on the Auckland Individualism Collectivism Scale and the Child-Parent Communication Apprehension Scale. The data was then coded and compared through a Pearson correlation test. The data showed a weak correlation between collectivism and child-parent communication apprehension. The significance of these findings and implications for future research are discussed.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

10 AM – Noon

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Daniel Gerlach & Maya Jenkins

Do Individualistic People Experience Lower Communication Apprehension Than Collectivists? An Advanced Interpersonal Research Study

A great deal of research has been conducted regarding communicator apprehension (CA) and individualism/collectivism as separate topics. However, little research has been done to analyze connections they have with each other. Based on prior research regarding CA and individualism/collectivism, we hypothesize that participants who identify as individualistic will also report lesser amounts of CA. We propose that the opposite is also true: participants who report identifying as collective will report higher CA. Results of the study found that there was little to no correlation.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

10 AM – Noon

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Jesse Gerlach & Madison Hoke

A Study on the Relation Between Nonverbal Knowledge and Touch Avoidance

The following study looked to compare the relationship between an individual’s knowledge of nonverbal cues and their level of touch avoidance.  The study was conducted online with a total of 33 participants.  Participants were asked to complete the Test of Nonverbal Cue Knowledge (TONCK) and Touch Avoidant Measure (TAM).  For the Touch Avoidant Measure, both section one and two were included, testing an individual’s level of touch avoidance in same-sex and opposite-sex social interactions. Prior to conducting the study, the experimenters examined the past research done in each of these areas.  The studies found that Touch Avoidance is more common with individuals who suffer from Social Anxiety (SA). In particular, SA was discovered to be most prominent with women who were being approached by men they did not originally know. Therefore, the researchers wanted to focus on touch avoidance within the same-sex and opposite-sex spectrum. This was designed so that a thorough understanding of which instances people may feel Touch Avoidant, and whether or not their knowledge of nonverbals is attributed to that avoidance may be reached. The results of the research found that there was little to no correlation between an individual’s knowledge of nonverbal cues, and their level of touch avoidance with both people of the same and opposite sex. Limitations of the study are centered around both the small participant number and the absence of male and female categories for the results. Future research can, therefore, look into both other variables relating to Touch Avoidance and the implications of gender as they relate to Touch Avoidance.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

10 AM – Noon

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Bradley Keller & Ben Womack

Attachment Style Dimensions and Receiver Apprehension

The purpose of this study was to explore whether there was a relationship between attachment style dimensions and receiver apprehension. There were three hypotheses for this study. The first hypothesis was that people who are associated with a preoccupation attachment style dimension would have the lowest receiver apprehension score. The second was that people who are associated with fearful avoidance attachment style dimensions or relationships as secondary attachment style dimensions would have the highest receiver apprehension score. The third was that people who are associated with a general avoidance attachment style dimension or lack of confidence attachment style dimension would have a moderate receiver apprehension score. Thirty-two people participated in a survey. The survey consisted of two questionnaires, one measuring attachment style dimensions, and the other measuring receiver apprehension. However, the statistical significance of the study was found to be insignificant.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

10 AM – Noon

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Angela Cusano & Katy Noel

Conflict and Listening

This study aims to determine if there is a notable correlation between listening styles, as originally researched by Bodie, Worthington, and Gearhart (2013) and conflict behavior strategies, as researched by Putnam and Wilson (1982). Bodie et al. (2013) explained that the primary purpose of listening is to connect with others and their emotions in attempt to understand them better. Therefore, it is valuable to understand the correlation between listening and conflict, as listening may be used as a powerful tool when handling conflict. We originally expected that relational listeners would be solution-oriented or non-confrontational, analytical listeners would be solution-oriented, critical listeners would be solution-oriented, and task oriented listeners would be control-oriented. We surveyed twenty-eight people through the medium of Google Forms, employing the Listening Styles Profile-Revised Instrument (LSP-R) and Organizational Communication Conflict Instrument (OCCI) in order to test the correlation between the two phenomena. Due to a limited number of participants, we were unable to draw statistically significant results through a Chi-Square. Despite statistical insignificance, the majority of participants, regardless of listening style, self-identified as solution-oriented in conflict. This study would benefit from future research with a larger number of participants.

Keywords: conflict behavior, listening styles, OCCI, LSP-R

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, Poster #1

1 – 3 PM

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Fern Delgadillo & Nikole Duncan

Family: Exploring the Link Between Child and Parent Communication

This study explores the connection between communication apprehension and communication standards between children and their parents. We have collected data from twenty-two participants through a survey asking questions related to their individual relationship with their parents and family members. The survey measures the strength of their communication relationship. This paper further explores the effects of healthy communication amongst children and their parents. It discusses just how detrimental these effects can be for an individual’s identity and behavior as they transition into adulthood.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, Poster #2

1 – 3 PM

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Mackenzie Galick

Listening Styles and Receiver Apprehension

This study explores participant’s results on the Listening Style Profile and Receiver Apprehension score in an attempt to discover if there is a correlation between a participant’s listening style and the degree to which they are an anxious listener. 49 individuals participated in our survey and were categorized into listening styles based on how they attend to and process information in a conversational setting. They were also scored based on their fear of misinterpreting or inadequately processing messages sent by others.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, Poster #3

1 – 3 PM

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Zoe Herron & Jordan Norris

Connections Between General Communication Competence and Intercultural Willingness to Communicate

With little previous research conducted on the specific links between a person’s general communication competence and their actual willingness to communicate interculturally, we have chosen to explore possible connections between the two in our research. Hypothesizing that those who are more competent in their communication would be more willing to engage in intercultural communication, we surveyed participants on each instrument (Communication Competence Scale and Intercultural Willingness to Communicate) and then examined and evaluated any correlations between the results.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, Poster #4

1 – 3 PM

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Kayla Miller & Abby Spencer

Individualism/Collectivism and The Willingness To Communicate Inter-culturally

We conducted a study to examine people’s willingness to communicate inter-culturally among individualistic versus collectivist cultures. We wondered if people were more likely to communicate inter-culturally in an individualist culture or a collectivist culture. Accordingly, we predicted the outcome to be that collectivist cultures will be less likely to communicate inter-culturally. Fourteen people participated in two surveys that tested the relationship between intercultural willingness to communicate and individualism or collectivism. The Auckland Individualism and Collectivism Scale (AICS), and the Intercultural Willingness to Communicate scale were the two survey’s they were presented. In the Intercultural Willingness to Communicate, participants were given twelve situations in which a person might choose to communicate or not communicate, and were asked to indicate the percentage of times he/she would choose to do so. In the AICS, 30 statements were listed to measure where he/she lies on the individualist or collectivist spectrum. Participants had the option to choose from never, rarely, sometimes, usually, often, or always when filling out the survey. The study found a .39(39%) correlation between the two instruments. This study did not produce a high enough percentage to confirm our hypothesis to be true.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, Poster #5

1 – 3 PM

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Michael Buss

Effective Forgiveness

Given the inevitability of conflict and relational transgressions in interpersonal relationships, forgiveness plays an essential role in the maintenance of relationships. Factors, such as offense severity and blameworthiness effect the type of forgiveness, either direct, indirect, or conditional, and even if someone will choose to forgive at all. If the act of forgiveness is not sincere, the forgiving party’s negative affect will not be reduced. Sincere forgiveness is strongly correlated with a sincere apology.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, poster #1

10 AM – Noon

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Lesly Eran

Exploring: The Positive Outcomes After Breaking Up

The affirmation of romantic relationships is very important for individuals because this can reinforce the sense of identity and self-esteem in people. Researchers have found that positive emotions can occur following a breakup, particularly when different personal growths happen after the dissolution. Moreover, researchers also advise various methods to overcome the ending of a romantic relationship.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, poster #4

10 AM – Noon

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Colby Hanson

The Complexity of Being a Good Comforter

Knowing how to comfort effectively can make a significant difference in how people close to you are able to deal with difficult situations. There are many different suggested approaches to comforting, but few are backed by research. Results from studies have demonstrated that effective comforting doesn’t come from an effective trait or technique, but rather a “person- centered” approach that takes into account the distressed person and elements of the situation.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, poster #5

10 AM – Noon

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McKenzie Hinson

Talk Clean to Me: Removing the Taboo Surrounding Sex-Communication with Children

One particularly tricky communication situation occurs when people communicate with their children about the concept of sex. In communicating, parents have the opportunity to convey ideas, attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and expectations to their children, and consequently, parents play an important role in the formation of their children as they move into adolescence and adulthood. Despite an understanding of this, parents often feel uncomfortable when discussing sexual matters with their children, and research suggests that there are unique challenges and concerns in discussing things of a sexual nature with young children and with adolescents. In light of the research presently discussed, parents should strive to have open sex-communication with their children. While there are legitimate concerns and anxiety regarding sex-communication with children, general parent-child communication was found to be a significant predictor of adolescent sexual behavior. Though these conversations are not necessarily easy to have, it’s arguable that parent-child sex-communication is important at any age, and thus, should not be avoided.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, poster #6

10 AM – Noon

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Madi Novelli

Attraction & Lasting Relationships

Attraction plays a big role in relationships and can determine just how long some relationships last. People get into relationships to better enhance their self. Research shows that similarities play a big part when someone is attracted to someone. However, not having much in common is great as well because different personalities and interests can make someone else experience new things and make their self even greater. Bad attraction also happens a lot within the process of getting into relationships. Bad attraction is often found with online dating or relationships that are pretty much all on a screen. Those relationships lack face to face conversations and human touch that can really affect relationships in the long run.

COMM 413, Advanced Interpersonal Communication

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room, poster #8

10 AM – Noon

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