24 pages., via online journal., The present study investigated the effects of communication styles, source expertise, and audiences’ preexisting attitudes in the contexts of the debate regarding genetically modified organisms. A between-subject experiment (N = 416) was conducted manipulating communication styles (aggressive vs. polite) and the expertise of the communicator (scientist vs. nonscientist) in blog articles. The results showed significant effects of communicator expertise and individuals’ preexisting attitudes on writer likability and message quality, depending on the communication style used. Expectancy violation was found as a significant mediator that explains the differences. These findings provided a plausible explanation for the way in which communication styles work in science communication contexts and offered practical implications for science communicators to communicate more strategically.
Tilley, D. (author), Ward, R. (author), Dixon, Bruce L. (author), Forker, Olan D. (author), Jensen, Helen H. (author), and Associate Professor of Economics and Head of the Food and Nutrition Policy Division, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University; Associate Professor of Economics and Head of the Food and Nutrition Policy Division, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University; Associate Professor of Economics and Head of the Food and Nutrition Policy Division, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University; Associate Professor of Economics and Head of the Food and Nutrition Policy Division, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University; Associate Professor of Economics and Head of the Food and Nutrition Policy Division, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1988-02
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 74 Document Number: C03731
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Ames, IA : Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University, 1988. 30 p.
