TALK AND SILENCE SEQUENCES IN INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS II

Three models describing the structure of talk and silence sequences within and across conversations presented in a previous report (Cappella, 1979) are tested. The Markov model, describing talk and silence sequences within a conversation, is found to be a valid representation on a dyad-by-dyad basis. The Independent Decision (ID) model shows some predictive validity between conversations, although its “fit” within the conversation is less than the Markov model. The Incremental model in relaxing the consistency-across-conversation assumption of the ID model finds differences due to switching of partners in the probability of breaking or continuing mutual silences and in the probability of continuing to hold the floor. The implication for deriving dyadic interaction patterns from individual interaction styles are explored.     

TALK-SILENCE SEQUENCES IN INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS I

The literature relevant to talk and silence sequences in informal social conversations is reviewed in terms of individual consistency in talk and silence across and within conversations, the factors which can modify talk and silence consistencies, and the influence of partners’ talk and silence behaviors on the other's response. The review leads to the postulation of four models of talk-silence sequences of increasing complexity and decreasing parsimony. The Markov model describes within-conversation sequences; the Independent Decision (ID) model describes across-conversation sequences under the assumptions of perfect consistency and independence of action; the Incremental model relaxes the consistency assumption of the ID model; the Regulation model relaxes both assumptions of the ID model, incorporating the possibility of mutual influence between partners rather than independence.