general

People overestimate how much others share their opinions/ views

Study: students were asked whether they want their term paper to be individual/ group work

they then estimated how many would choose the same -> they overestimated how many others would agree

CAT explains how we adapt or maintain communication styles depending on social dynamic

Divergence: maintains distinctiveness

to assert power/ authority in interactions

to resist assimilation

highlight group distinctiveness

Ex. teacher maintaining formal speech while students use slang

Convergence: fosters unity

to create rapport and reduce social distance

to increase approval and acceptance

better comprehension

Ex. mirroring accent in country to adjust with locals

upward convergence: Ex: adjusting speech to sound more formal

downward convergence: Ex: adopting simpler to match a less formal speaker (dr to patient)

Overaccomodation: can lead to patronizing/ awkward situations

Maintenance: when someone doesnt adjust their communication style

Intrapersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication

Small Group Communication

Public Communication

Mass Communication

Masspersonal Communication