The Conversation MOP II. Progression Through Scenes in Discourse

Abstract

Based on previous research demonstrating that a conversation MOP (memory organization packet) exists that organizes Scenes (topics) in conversations, this research explores thegerreralizability of theMOP when faced with differing situational demands.This research tests a normative sequential progression claim of the MOP perspective by examining the degree to which the M O P permits routine progression in topical talk in initial interactions as acquaintance goals vary. As predicted, dyads having similar acquaintanceship goals were found to exhibit similar conversational structures; the conversational structures for dyads having differing acquaintanceship goals were also found to be similar; and the progression of dyads through conversations in terms of transitions between topics also exhibited structural invariance. It was therefore concluded that (a) certain topics of talk occur almost regardless of acquaintanceship desires despite idiosyncratic additions, (b) multiple topics of talk are appropriate at any given point but what is appropriate at one point is not appropriate at other points, and (c) conversational sequencing follows a normative progression. In other words, wnversational behavior is both routine and adaptive, although the adaptation is in itself routine.onversation is one of the most basic and fundamental means that persons use to become acquainted. It is rare for persons C to develop a relationship without ever conversing and even in such instances (e.g., pen pals, e-mail), a desire for conversation usually emerges. Conversations occurring in initial interactions are particularly critical for relationship development. For example, persons who disclose too much information too early during initial interactions tend to inhibit the very relationships they desire to develop (Berger, 1973). To make it easier for persons to negotiate initial interactions in relatively appropriate and efficient ways, conversational conventions and rituals are acquired and transmitted from one generation to the next. Meeting other people for the first time thus Kathy Kellermann is on the faculty of the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Interpersonal Communication: Theoretical Perspectives, Future Prospects

“…MOPs organize scenes and their attached scripts into larger, goal-directed action sequences. This model generated considerable research activity (Kellermann, 1991(Kellermann, , 1995Kellermann & Lim, 1990;Kellermann, Broetzmann, Lim, & Kitao, 1989). Although the MOPs and scripts concepts were originally invoked to explain text and discourse comprehension (Bower, Black, & Turner, 1979;Schank, 1982;Schank & Abelson, 1977), these structures are assumed to guide the production of actions and discourse.…”

Alcohol as social lubricant..

“…Initial interactions follow a normative sequential progression whereby some topics are appropriate for early in the interaction and others are almost always broached at later stages (Kellermann, 1991). For example, self-disclosure theorists assume that self-disclosure becomes more intimate over time.…”

Describing know‐how about group discussion procedure: Must the representation be recursive?

“…First, members of a group may share the notion that ideal group procedure should be linear but, consistent with Poole and Roth's (1989b) argument, adopt different actual procedures as strategic responses to aspects of the situation. In a similar vein, Kellermann (1991) saw the conversation MOP as a general guide that conversationalists use strategically in actual conversation. Second, there might be differences among group members' know-how, with their group's actual procedure the result of a negotiated agreement.…”