Date of Award

8-1982

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dr. George Roheck

Second Advisor

Dr. Steven Rhodes

Third Advisor

Dr. Ruth Heinig

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study explored the potential relationship which might exist among rhetorical sensitivity, communication apprehension, and nonverbal decoding ability. Three measuring instruments, the Rhetorical Sensitivity Scale, the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension, and the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity, were administered to 109 participants, 68 females and 41 males. Gender and age were examined to see what effect they might have on the potential relationship. No relationship was found among rhetorical sensitivity, communication apprehension, and nonverbal decoding ability. In addition, no relationship was found between gender and the three variables or between age and the three variables. However, it is important to note that these findings support previous research which has indicated lack of correlation between personality variables and nonverbal decoding ability.

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