What does Burgoon mean by expectancy? Explain. Then, identify and describe each of the three factors that make up someone’s expectancy. Give an example for each factor.

What will be an ideal response?


According to Burgoon, expectancy is what a person believes or predicts will happen in a given situation. Expectancy is like the idea of social norms and is based on three factors: context, relationship, and communicator’s characteristics. The context is the environment in which the behavior occurs. The relationship one has with the violator is also important. Is the person your boss? A friend? A stranger? Last, the communicator’s characteristics include the expectations we have for men and women, people of different ages, cultures, and so forth. Examples for each will vary by student.
Learning Objective: Use the concepts of expectancy, violation valence, and communicator reward valence so as to predict whether someone will reciprocate or compensate a violation.

Communication & Mass Media

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