Communication Apprehension and Achievement in a Performance-Oriented Basic Communication Course

Abstract

The study of communication apprehension (CA) impact in the instructional environment is extended through examination of all three CA levels relative to various performance situations in a basic communication course. Results indicate significant differences in achievement indices between all three CA groups on final course grade and the first two of four performance assignments. Moderate and high CA groups were not significantly different from each other on the third and fourth performance tasks. Low and high CA groups were significantly different in all performance areas. No differences were indicated between CA groups on the final examination. Results are discussed relative to the naturalistic nature of the study.

The relationship of interpersonal communication variables to academic success and persistence in college

“…Those students who are skilled in articulating ideas may receive higher grades in part because of that ability. Both of these findings are consistent with results of studies that have examined the relationship between communication apprehension and academic success variables (McCroskey & Andersen, 1976;McCroskey et al, 1989;Powers & Smythe, 1980). If one were to create a causal model with SAT scores, GPA, and communication competence, it would be reasonable to argue that whereas communication competence influences GPA, that SAT scores (which are supposed to predict college GPA) might predict communication competence.…”

“…Without a satisfying roommate relationship, students may experience loneliness and may try to alleviate that loneliness by leaving college. Poor communication skills may also be associated with poorer academic performance, as some studies of communication apprehension have shown (McCroskey & Andersen, 1976;McCroskey et al, 1989;Powers & Smythe, 1980). The present study encompassed both the role of communication skills in the roommate relationship and in academic success.…”

The communication anxiety inventory: Validation of state‐and context‐communication apprehension

“…We can cite a body of research that tested the relationship between CA and academic achievement (Powers & Smythe, 1980), instructional preference (McCroskey & Anderson, 1976), and a variety of personality characteristics (McCroskey, Daly, and Sorensen, 1976;Lustig, 1974). (Consult McCroskey, 1977 for a full review.)…”

The Effects Of Students Predispositions Toward Communication, Learning Styles, And Sex On Academic Achievement

“…In performance-oriented classes, regardless of type (e.g., discussion, interpersonal, public speaking), students with high CA are consistently evaluated lower (Powers & Smythe, 1980;O'Mara et al, 1996). Furthermore, research into the mediation effects of other variables has served to increase the generalizability of a relationship between CA and academic achievement.…”