A conceptual analysis of communicative spontaneity

Abstract

Communicative spontaneity is reported to present a significant problem for individuals with high support needs. Examination of literature addressing communicative spontaneity reveals conceptually opposing views of the phenomenon. Both the binary and the continuum conceptualisations are examined in this paper in specific relation to their logical consistency, explanatory power and limitations. It is argued that the continuum conceptualisation offers much greater explanatory power and facilitates understanding of communicative spontaneity. Several approaches to the operationalisation of the continuum approach are considered and contrasted. Limitations and problems with existing approaches to the operationalisation of spontaneity are explored and an alternative proposed.