Development and Validation of the Imhof-Janusik Listening Concepts Inventory to Measure Listening Conceptualization Differences between Cultures

Abstract

Listening is a cognitive process that is perceived behaviorally, and past listening research has focused on perceptions of listening behaviors. This study shifts the focus to the perceptions of listening cognitions. In a cognitive model of listening, listening concepts are assumed to determine listening behavior, the process, and the outcome. In this context, it is of interest to develop a diagnostic instrument to describe the composition of the listening concept. This factor-analytic study seeks to identify the underlying dimensions of listening concepts using a sample of N = 358 students. Results suggest that four factors need to be taken into account as listening concepts are mapped and analyzed. In a subsequent study comparing a US and a German student sample, it could be shown that listening conceptualization is culture-driven. Implications for research and practice of intercultural oral communication are discussed.