Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1977

Thesis Director

Randall H. Best

Abstract

The present study was concerned with the applicability of various videotape feedback procedures on two communication modalities. The communication modalities studied dealt with the visual and auditory orientation of 80 college students.

The vast and, for the most part, positive findings associated with videotape feedback have fascinated therapists for the last couple of years. However, for the most part, videotape feedback has been used with individuals without taking into consideration the different ways these individuals communicate and/or learn. The purpose of the present experiment was to analyze the various aspects in which individuals communicate. Once their communicational modality was established it was hypothesized that a videotape feedback procedure which corresponded to their primary modality would facilitate self-awareness and by implication, communication between themselves and others.

In the current study, three experimenters and 80 students were involved in the procedure. The 80 students were randomly divided into eight groups of 10 each and each group was given a different type of videotape feedback: 1) audio and video; 2) audio alone; 3) video alone; 4) neither audio nor video. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between any combinations of the groups. However, a high F value was obtained that was very nearly significant. This near significance was found between the auditorily classified students and the visually classified students.

According to the present study, it appears likely that there were differences between the auditory and visual students, primarily due to a high groups' effect. However, we are unable to draw any firm conclusions because of such factors as low inter-judgmental reliability and a lack of an objective, second classificatory device.

It appears very probable that people differ in terms of their communicational modalities. The data seemingly pointed out that people can tentatively be categorized into certain modality orientations. The implication being that rapport in psychotherapy can be enhanced through the use and knowledge of the principles discussed herein.

Download

Share

COinS