Toward the development and validation of a measure of cognitive communication competence

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of cognitive communication competence and begin the process of collecting evidence of its validity. A review of literature indicated four temporarily discrete mental processes essential to cognitive communication competence: 1) the anticipation of contextual variables that may potentially influence one's communication choices, 2) perception of the consequences of one's communication choices, 3) immediate reflection, and 4) general reflection upon the choices one has made. Subjects completed measures of Cognitive Communication Competence (CCCS), Self‐Monitoring, Interaction Involvement, and Communicative Knowledge. Results indicated a five factor solution which was not identical with the original conceptualized dimensions of the CCCS. The factor structure that emerged did reflect a temporal separation of cognitions but it also revealed different types of communication cognitions. Additionally, support was provided for the construct validity of the CCCS. Implications of these results and suggestions for future research are discussed. Key concepts: Communication competencecommunication cognitionsinteraction involvementself‐monitoring