The structure of communication rules and the form of conversation: An experimental simulation

The theory of “the coordinated management of meaning” predicts that the forms of conversations are a function of the degree to which the communicators’ rules for meaning and action are similar in structure and content. A new game of simulated conversation, “Coordination,” permitted an experimental test which supported the theory and demonstrated the utility of the game as a research protocol.

Notes

Mr. Pearce is Professor, Mr. Cronen is Associate Professor, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Jones are Ph.D. candidates, and Mr. Raymond is an M.A. candidate, Department of Communication Studies, University of Massachusetts.