Toward a Theoretical Account of Goal Characteristics in Micro-Level Message Features

Abstract

Our model of goal-driven message production highlights the impact of activated knowledge stores on micro-level message features. We argue that focal center and message embellishment are products of the cognitive processes recruited for strategic action and are implicated in five goal characteristics. To examine our model, we had dating couples engage in a conversation about a hypothetical problematic event, during which one member of the dyad acted according to an assigned role. Accounts of goals were solicited before and after the conversation. The results of this study provide support for several of the proposed associations between goal characteristics and message features. Implications of the current results for our model and future message production research are discussed.