Message Clarity Research Articles

An Empirical Test of an Axiomatic Model of the Relationship Between Language Intensity and Persuasion

The study tested six axioms concerning the effect of language intensity on receiver attitudes. The axioms specify source and receiver variables which might moderate the relationship between intensity and attitude change. The results were consistent with an information processing model based on message discrepancy, expectancy and elaboration likelihood theories. Intensity affected attitudes through three routes. First, intensity increased attitude change via message clarity, with clarity acting as a mediator variable. Second, intensity inter acted with discrepancy and perceived source likeability to produce attitude change. Third, the effect of intensity on attitudes was moderated by source expectations. Results showed that intensity enhances persuasiveness for a high credibility source, inhibits persuasiveness for a low credibility source, and has no effect for a moderate credibility source. Receiver anxiety moderated the effect of source gender expectations on the intensity-attitude relationship. A revised model of intensity effects, based on axioms derived from information processing theory and expectancy theory, is discussed.

INTERAÇÃO VERBAL ENTRE A EQUIPE DE ENFERMAGEM E O PACIENTE AIDÉTICO *

3,336 verbal behaviors between 3 AIDS patients and a nursing team were analyzed. The pattern and priority areas of verbal behaviors which occur, according to the SAVI system, as well as the amount of information transmitted were determined. The results showed that the verbal behaviors ranged from relative ambiguity in terms of message clarity to clean and non-contradictory messages. The interaction tended to move away from stereotypy.

Communicator competence and employee performance with new technology: A case study

Abstract The relationship between employee productivity with new technology and communicator competence was investigated in a field study of 289 claims adjustors from two divisions of a large insurance company. Comparisons were also made with individual levels of past productivity. Each employee's communicator competence was assessed using a standardized instrument before they began to operate a new computer system. Employees from one of the divisions were provided with a 45‐hour training program that focused on three aspects of communicator competence (message clarity, listening, and interpersonal skills) one month before the new system was implemented. An analysis of covariance revealed three noteworthy findings. First, employee communicator competence had the most significant effect on employee performance with the new computer. Second, employees who received the communicator competence training program performed at significantly higher levels with the new technology than employees who did not receive ...

CONFLICTING INFORMATION, ATTITUDE, AND MESSAGE VARIABLES AS PREDICTORS OF LEARNING AND PERSUASION1

This study examined the effects of conflicting information in two messages about the same topic on recall of, and post favorability toward the message. Three multiple regression analyses tested the relationship among conflicting information, initial attitude, attitude change, salience, message clarity, and adequacy of support in predicting recall and post favorability. Six hypotheses were supported. Both recall and post favorability were inhibited when conflicting information was present. Attitudes and message variables were significant predictors of learning and post favorability. Proactive inhibition produced more interference than retroactive inhibition. Results are discussed in terms of the interrelatedness of the learning and persuasion processes and the ability of interference theory to predict outcomes in both paradigms.