An exploration of ontological knowledge: Communication competence as a function of the ability to describe, predict, and explain

Abstract

This study attempted to operationalize the construct of ontological knowledge (a communicator's ability to describe, predict, and explain human behavior) as an essential component of communication competence. Nine weeks after completing a self‐report measure of communication competence, subjects were presented with a hypothetical dialogue and asked to make various descriptions, explanations, and predictions regarding the communication behavior of the hypothetical interactants. The type of explanation given for a person's behavior and the confidence of predicting that person's future behavior were found to be significant unique predictors of perceived communication competence. The number of descriptive information units identified (from the dialogue) acted as a suppressor variable, enhancing the efficiency of the other independent variables. Additionally, interpersonal communication apprehension was a significant unique predictor of communication competence and was not redundant with the ontological knowledge predictors.