Expanding Language Expectancy Theory: The Suasory Effects of Lexical Complexity and Syntactic Complexity on Effective Message Design

Abstract

This research uses language expectancy theory (LET; Burgoon, Jones, & Stewart, 1975; Miller & Burgoon, 1979) to explore message design effectiveness as a function of syntactic and lexical complexity, in a 2 (lexical: simple vs. complex) × 2 (syntactic: simple vs. complex) design. Pilot test and main study findings indicate optimal message features include the use of lexically simple language combined with syntactically simple sentence structure for receivers who are more likely to think on concrete as opposed to abstract levels, since such an arrangement makes integration of new information easier. Future directions are discussed for message design and for advancement of the theoretical contributions offered by examining syntactic complexity and lexical complexity within the explanatory framework of LET.

Keywords:

• Cognitive Complexity
• Language
• Message Complexity
• Message Processing
• Persuasion

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joshua M. Averbeck

Joshua M. Averbeck (PhD, 2011, University of Oklahoma) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Western Illinois University.

Claude Miller

Claude Miller (PhD, 2000, University of Arizona) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma.