Experiments on Communication: Writing,Dictating,and Speaking

Abstract

Of the various methods of communication that will be technically feasible within this century, on which one(s) do people perform best and prefer most? To study this, in a series of psychological experiments 24 participants were given about 45 different specific letters to compose, using different methods of composition. Their resulting times, quality, attitudes, and component psychological processes were analyzed. Results demonstrate, among other things, that most common assumptions about dictating are wrong. Limiting factors in composition do not seem to be output processes (e.g., dictating vs. writing). Good authors are good authors, regardless of method. In choosing whether or not to use a communication system, people's attitudes toward it may be at least as important as their performance on it.