2. Communication Thesis

A communication thesis asks:

Why do these conversations fail?

Notice the difference.

Instead of studying the individual...

…it studies the interaction.

Example topics:

• Response latency
• Misunderstanding
• Conversational timing
• Literal interpretation
• Intent recognition
• Pragmatics
• Turn taking
• Silence
• Group communication
• Conflict

Example research question:

Why are thoughtful pauses frequently interpreted as incompetence or disinterest?

Evidence includes:

• Recorded interviews
• Conversation transcripts
• Linguistic analysis
• Survey responses
• Observations

Strengths:

• Directly studies the social problems you described.
• Doesn't require assuming pathology.
• Easier to recommend communication techniques.

Weaknesses:

• Less emphasis on underlying cognition.
• Doesn't explain why the person thinks differently.