Surviving or thriving? Demographics differences in mindset across the introductory communication course

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate communication mindset changes across one semester of the introductory communication course and differences across students’ demographic backgrounds. The study measured the communication mindset and other instructional constructs of 1299 undergraduate students during the first two and last two weeks of the semester. Results showed no change in communication mindset after one semester of the basic course, although public speaking anxiety was reduced, and self-efficacy and interpersonal communication competence increased. Further, results showed between-group differences in public speaking anxiety by gender, as well as differences in mindset and interpersonal communication competence between students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds and different language status. Implications for future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• communication mindset
• demographics
• introductory communication course
• mindset theory
• public speaking apprehension

Notes on contributors

Karin Nordin (M.A., University of Alabama, 2017) is a doctoral student in the Department of Communication at George Mason University. Correspondence can be directed to Karin Nordin at [email protected].

Melissa A. Broeckelman-Post (Ph.D., Ohio University, 2009) is an Associate Professor and the Basic Course Director in the Department of Communication and a Senior Scholar in the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University.