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Myers, Scott A. 

Student Perceptions of Instructors' Affinity-Seeking 
Behavior and Classroom Climate: How They See What We 
Do. 

Nov 94 

27p.; Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the 
Speech Communication Association (80th, New Orleans, 
LA, November 19-22, 1994). 

Reports - Research/Technical (143; — Viewpoints 
(Opinion/Position Papers, Essays, etc.) (120) — 
Speeches/Conference Papers (150) 

K701/PC02 Plus Postage. 

''Classroom Communication; Higher Education; 
^Introductory Courses; ''Speech Communication; Teacher 
Student Relationship; '''Teaching Methods; ''Teaching 
Styles; Trust (Psychology) 

''Affinity Seeking Strategies; '''Student Perceptions of 
Teacher 



ABSTRACT 

A study explored student perceptions of how 
instructors of the speech communication basic course utilize 
affinity-seeking strategies to establish a communication climate in 
the classroom. Subjects were 147 undergraduate students enrolled in 
the basic course at a large midwestern university. Each subject was 
asked to complete two instruments: (1) the affinity-seeking strategy 
scale modified by J. C. McCroskey and L. L. McCroskey (1986); and (2) 
the Communication Climate Questionnaire (E. R. Hays 1970). Results 
indicated that a significant relationship exists between the 
perceived use of affinity-seeking strategies and the establishment of 
classroom communication climate. Students who perceived a positive 
communication climate reported a more frequent use of 
affinity-seeking strategies by their instructors. It was discovered 
that basic course instructors utilize 19 of the 25 affinity-seeking 
strategies, but rarely use the strategies of concede control, 
inclusion of others, influence perceptions of closeness, openness, 
reward association, and self-inclusion. Trustworthiness emerged as 
the most significant predictor of classroom climate. This indicates, 
perhaps, that teacher credibility is an important factor in student 
perceptions of the formation of classroom climate. Students who trust 
their instructors are invariably more likely to perceive other 
positive attributes as well. (Contains 33 references and three tables 
of data.) (Author/TB) 



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Student Perceptions of Instructors' 
Affinity-Seeking Behavior and Classroom Climate: 
How They See What We Do 



Scott A. Myers 
School of Communication Studies 
Kent State University 
Kent, OH 44242-0001 

(216) 672-2659 
Bitnet: SMYERS@KENTVM 



A paper presented at the 1994 meeting of the 
Speech Communication Association, 
New Orleans, LA 



3 



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INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)." 



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ERIC 



Abstract 

Student Perceptions of Instructors' 
Affinity-Seeking Behavior and Classroom Climate: 
How They See What We Do 
This study explored student perceptions of how basic course 
instructors utilize affinity-seeking strategies to establish a 
communication climate in the classroom. Subjects were 147 
undergraduate students enrolled in the basic course at a large 
midwestern university. Each subject was asked to complete two 
instruments: (a) the affinity-seeking strategy scale modified by 
McCroskey and McCroskey (1986) and (b) the Communication Climate 
Questionnaire (Hays, 1970). Results indicate that a significant 
relationship exists between the perceived use of affinity-seeking 
strategies and the establishment of classroom communication 
climate. It was discovered that basic course instructors utilize 
19 of the 25 affinity-seeking strategies, but rarely use the 
strategies of concede control, inclusion of others, influence 
perceptions of closeness, openness, reward association, and self- 
inclusion. 



Student Perceptions of Instructors' 
Affinity-Seeking Behavior and Classroom Climate: 
How They See What We Do 

The classroom context is filled with a large number of 
communication variables which affect the establishment of the 
classroom climate. Research has illustrated that the various 
communication behaviors of both the teacher and the student 
profoundly affects classroom dynamics (e.g., Richmond, 1990). 
This study focused on the relationship between affinity-seeking 
and classroom communication climate. Specifically, this study 
explored student perceptions of how basic course instructors 
utilize affinity-seeking strategies to establish a communication 
climate in the classroom. To gain a better understanding of this 
relationship, it is necessary to examine two areas of literature: 
(a) affinity-seeking and (b) classroom climate. 
Affinity-seeking 

Affinity-seeking is defined as "the process by which 
individuals attempt to get other people to like and to feel 
positive toward them" (Bell & Daly, 1984, p. 111). Bell and Daly 
(1984) developed a typology of 25 affinity-seeking strategies 
that people employ to gain the social approval of others. For a 
description of the typology, see Bell and Daly (1984) , Frymier 
and Thompson (1992), or McCroskey and McCroskey (1986). Previous 
research has examined affinity-seeking behavior in initial 
interactions (Martin, 1 992); collegiate relationships (Richmond, 
Gorham, & Furio, 1987); marital relationships (Bell, Daly, & 



Gonzalez, 1987); friendships (Bell, Tremblay, & Buerkel-Rothf uss , 
1987) ; and developing relationships (Tolhuizen, 1989) . Other 
research has explored the link between affinity-seeking, self- 
disclosure, and self -awareness (Rubin, Rubin, & Martin, 1993) and 
the use of affinity-seeking strategies by politicians (Mitchell, 
1994) . 

Affinity-seeking has received a great ^aal of attention in 
its use in the classroom. Ir. the instructional context, the use 
of affinity-seeking strategies has been explored from both the 
perspectives of the teacher and the student. McCroskey and 
McCroskey (1986) asked 311 elementary and secondary school 
teachers about the types and frequency of affinity-seeking 
strategies used by other teachers. They found that over 90% of 
the teachers had observed the use of eight strategies in the 
classroom: physical attractiveness, sensitivity, elicit other's 
disclosure, trustworthiness, nonverbal immediacy, conversational 
rule-keeping, dynamism, and listening. Conversely, teachers 
observed little use of nine strategies: inclusion of others, 
se-^-inclusion, reward association, concede control, influence 
perceptions of closeness, similarity, openness, present 
interesting self, and support iveness. McCroskey and McCroskey 
(1986) concluded that status of the teacher may have an effect on 
the use of affinity-seeking strategies. In the classroom, the 
use of a particular strategy may or may not be appropriate for 
the teacher-student relationship. 



5 

Gorham, Kelley, and McCroskey (1989) examined the affinity- 
seeking strategies used by 2 29 elementary and secondary school 
teachers and their efforts to get students to like them. As the 
grade levels of the teachers increased, the use of four affinity- 
seeking strategies increased as well: trustworthiness, 
sensitivity, self-inclusion, and elicit other's disclosure. 
Three strategies — facilitate enjoyment, nonverbal immediacy, and 
self-concept confirmation — were used more frequently at lower 
grade levels. Overall, the facilitate enjoyment strategy was 
most frequently used. Gorham et al. (1989) suggested, however, 
that affinity-strategy usage is dependent upon whether the 
strategy is utilized to gain liking of the teacher or to gain 
liking of the subject matter. 

Frymier and Thompson (1992) approached affinity-seeking from 
the student perspective. They found that a teacher's perceived 
use of af f xnity-seeking strategies is correlated with perceived 
teacher credibility and student motivation. Specifically, twelve 
strategies accounted for the correlations: listening, facilitate 
enjoyment, dynamism, elicit other's disclosure, optimism, 
sensitivity, conversational rule-keeping, comfortable self, 
nonverbal immediacy, altruism, present interesting self, and 
trustworthiness. Strategies such as reward association, self- 
inclusion, and similarity were not related to credibility and 
motivation. Similarly, Richmond (1990) discovered that five 
strategies affect a student's motivation to study: facilitate 

ERIC b 



enjoyment, assume equality, nonverbal immediacy, optimism, and 
self -concept confirmation. 

Moreover, it has been established that a link exists between 
the use of affinity-seeking strategies and student learning. 
Richmond (1990) and Roach (1991) found that a teacher's use of 
affinity-seeking strategies positively affects a student's 
perceived level of affective and cognitive learning. And in 
general, students like teachers who use affinity-seeking 

behaviors (Roach, 1991) . 

The relationship between affinity-seeking and teacher 
competence has been studied by Prisbell (1993). He found that 
five strategies account most for perceived teacher competence: 
trustworthiness, assume equality, personal autonomy, altruism, 
and listening. Prisbell recommended that the use of some 
strategies be avoided, such as reward association, similarity, 
self-inclusion, present interesting self, and influence 
perceptions of others. In any case, teachers will be perceived 
as more competent if they engage in specific affinity-seeking 
strategy usage (Prisbell, 1993) . 

It appears, then, that the use of affinity-seeking 
strategies has a positive effect in the classroom. Whether 
reported by teachers or students, affinity-seeking is related to 
instructional factors such as teacher credibility, teacher 
competence, and student learning. However, it is the interaction 
between student, teacher, and setting that contributes 
significantly to behavioral variance in the classroom (Trickett & 



7 

Moos, 1973) . To advance the study of affinity-seeking, it is 
necessary to examine the influence of classroom climate. 
Classroom climate 

Darling and Civikly (1987) stated that the communication 
climate of a classroom is determined by the needs of both the 
teacher and the student. For the teacher, a communication 
climate may be affected by the need to establish control, 
credibility, and/or esteem. For the student, a communication 
climate may be affected by the need to establish and defend 
personal worth and social stability in the eyes of both teachers 
and peers. Thus, these dichotomous needs will impact the 
communication climate of any classroom. 

According to Rosenfeld (1983) , communication climate is 
established through the social and psychological contexts of any 
relationship. The literature on classroom communication suggests 
that climate may be dependent on three factors: (a) the use of 
supportive and defensive behaviors, (b) the components of the 
classroom structure, and (c) the use of confirming and 
disconf irming responses. Taken together, these factors create 
patterns of classroom behavior that may or may not establish a 
supportive climate. In addition, other factors have been found 
to influence climate. 

Supportive/defensive behavior s . A supportive communication 
climate is efficient and is characterized as consisting of few 
distortions, effective listening behaviors, and clear message 
transmission (Darling & Civikly, 1987) . A defensive climate, on 

9 . Q 

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8 

the other hand, "interferes with communication and thus makes it 
difficult — and sometimes impossible — for anyone to convey ideas 
clearly and to move effectively toward the solution of ... 
problems" (Gibb, 1961, p. 148). 

Gibb (1961) developed six categories of behaviors which he 
believed were characteristic of supportive and defensive 
behaviors. Originally developed as small group behaviors, these 
categories are applicable in the classroom as well. Gibb labeled 
these behaviors as description-evaluation, problem orientation- 
control, spontaneity-strategy, empathy- neutrality, equality- 
superiority, and provisionalism-certainty . A supportive 
communicate climate is characterized by the first behavior in 
each group while the use of the second behavior reflects a 
defensive climate. A supportive communication climate reduces 
def ensiveness and allows students to concentrate fully upon the 
content and structure of the message (Gibb, 1961) . 

Rosenfeld (1983) found that the communication climate of a 
college classroom may be characterized by an underlying level of 
def ensiveness. He examined how liked and disliked classes are 
distinguished by their levels of supportiveness and 
def ensiveness . Specifically, Rosenfeld found that: (a) 
supportiveness is more important than def ensiveness in assessing 
climate, (b) liked classes generally have more supportive than 
defensive behaviors, (c) liked classes may be characterized by 
teacher behaviors that are classified as supportive, and (d) 
disliked classes cause students to develop coping mechanisms 



9 

(i.e., forming alliances against the teacher, not doing what the 
teacher asks) . Moreover, Rosenfeld and Jarrard (1.985) discovered 
in liked classes, students perceive themselves as important and 
valued, and work toward establishing a "coworker" relationship 
with the professor. 

Classroom factors . Researchers have identified three 
variables that affect the communication climate of a classroom: 
(a) student sex, (b) class participation, and (c) subject matter 
interest. It has been established that female students do not 
participate as much as male students in the college classroom 
(Crawford & MacLeod, 1990; Hall & Sandier, 1982; Pearson & West, 
1991) . Female students often ask fewer questions in class and 
are less assertive than males in doing so (Pearson & West, 1991) . 

Class participation is also a factor. Constantinople, 
Cornelius, and Gray (1988) and Crawford and MacLeod (1990) 
determined that a smaller number of students enrolled in a class 
results in increased class participation. Merkel (199 3) reported 
an inverse relationship between class size and the opportunity to 
communicate, teacher use of verbal immediacy strategies, and 
teacher use of nonverbal immediacy strategies. Myers (1994) 
found that a highly-scripted daily routine, the interaction 
patterns among the students, and the general communication 
behaviors of the teacher resulted in a supportive communication 
climate. However, Karp and Yoels (1976) argued that most 
students opt for non- involvement in the classroom; therefore, 
student participation becomes dependent upon the organizational 

er|c 1 o 



features of the classroom (i.e., course syllabus), and is not 
indicative of classroom climate. 

DeYoung (1977) proposed that a higher level of interest in 
the classroom content (as indicated through attendance records) 
is a reflection of a more positive climate. Heller, Puff, and 
Mills (1985) found that time may be the prevailing factor in 
classroom participation. Over time f students are asked to lead 
more discussion, are given more time to answer questions, are 
called more often by name, and are recognized more when 
volunteering in class. 

Confirming and disconf irmina responses . Sieburg (1974) 
stated that the use of confirming and disconf irming behaviors 
affect the values individuals place on the self and on others. A 
confirming response expresses a caring attitude (Rosenfeld, 1983) 
and implies that the other individual is a valuable person 
(Rosenfeld & Jarrard, 1985) . A disconf irming message fails to 
acknowledge the other person as being a vital part of the 
communication process and is expressed in an uncaring manner 
(Rosenfeld, 1983) . 

Rationale 

It has been established that affinity-seeking is one 
technique that further aids the development of the student- 
teacher relationship in the classroom (Frymier & Thompson, 1992; 
McCroskey & McCroskey, 1986; Prisbell, 1993; Richmond, 1990). 
However, the relationship between teacher affinity-seeking 
behavior and classroom climate is unknown. If the assumption 



can be made that the teacher constructs the climate, then it 
would make sense that the use of affinity-seeking be included as 
a tool used to construct the climate. To explore the 
relationship between affinity-seeking and classroom climate, the 
following hypothesis and research questions are posited: 

H: There is a significant relationship between affinity- 
seeking and classroom climate. 
RQ1 : Which affinity-seeking strategies do students report 

being used by their basic course instructors? 
RQ2: Which af f in? ty-seeking strategies account most for the 

variance in the establishment of classroom climate? 
Gender is one factor that needs further exploration. 
Research has illustrated that male and female students perceive 
differences in the use of affinity-seeking in various 
relationships (Bell & Daly, 1984; Richmond et al., 1987; 
Tolhuizen, 1989) , but the differences have not emerged in the 
instructional setting (Roach, 1991) . In addition, since student 
gender (Constantinople et al. , 1988; Hall & Sandler, 1982) 
affects the construction of classroom climate, the following 
research question is proposed: 

RQ3 : Is there a significant difference between male and 

female students perceptions of teacher use of affinity- 
seeking strategies and teacher establishment of 
classroom communication climate? 



Subjects 



Methodology 



12 

Subjects were undergraduate students enrolled in the basic 
communication course at a large midwestern university. All 
subject? received a research point necessary for the successful 
completion of the course. 

A total of 147 students participated in the study, which 
included 78 males and 69 females. The age of the participants 
ranged from 18 years to 47 years (M = 20.9, SD = 4.11; Mo = 19, 
Md = 20) . The majority of participants reported their class 
standing at either the freshman or sophomore level (n = 57 each, 
a total of 114). Twenty-six (n = 26) respondents were juniors 
and seven respondents (n = 7) were seniors. 
Instruments 

Each subject was asked to complete two instruments: (a) the 
affinity-seeking strategy scale modified by McCroskey and 
McCroskey (1986) and (b) the Communication Climate Questionnaire 
(Hays, 1970) . 

Affinity-seeking strategy scal ^. The affinity-seeking 
strategy scale is a 25-item questionnaire that asks each 
respondent to rate how often, if ever, a particular affinity- 
seeking strategy is used. Originally developed by Bell and Daly 
(1984) , the scale was adapted by McCroskey and McCroskey (1986) 
for use in the instructional setting. 

Participants were provided with descriptions of each of the 
25 affinity-seeking strategies (i.e., "my teacher acts 
comfortable and relaxed in the classroom") . For each strategy, 
the student was asked to: (a) indicate if the teacher uses the 

er|c 13 



13 

strategy and (b) if so, how often. Responses were points on a ^ 
point Likert-type scale ranging from very often (4) to never (0) . 

Reliability of the scaie has ranged from .87 to .90 (Frymier 
& Thompson, 1992; Prisbell, 1993; Richmond, 1990). In this 
study, coefficient alpha was reported at .88. 

Classroom climate . The Classroom Climate Questionnaire 
(CCQ) is a 17-iteiu scale that asks each respondent to rate the 
supportive and defensive behaviors that a teacher may use (i. e. , 
"my teacher helps me understand the reasons for his opinions"). 
Eight items are supportive behaviors and nine items are defensive 
behaviors. Responses were points on a 5 point Likert-type scale 
ranging from strongly agree (5) to strongly disagree (1).. 

The CCQ has been used by a number of researchers (Darling & 
Civikly, 1987; Hays, 1970; Rosenfe.ld, 1983; Rosenfeld & Jarrard, 
1S85) , who have confirmed its reliability and validity as a 
measurement tool. In this «tudy, coefficient alpha was reported 
at .52. 
Procedures 

Subjects were asked to complete the two questionnaires 
during the thirteenth week of the course semester. Unlike 
previous research which asked students to complete the instrument 
in reference to the most recent class attended (Frymier & 
Thompson, 1992; Plax, Kearney, McCroskey, & Richmond, 1986; 
Prisbell, 1993; Richmond, 1990), students were asked to complete 
the instrument in reference to their basic course instructor. 



U 



14 

Statistical analysis 

The hypothesis was tested using a Pearson Product-Moment 
correlation between the summed scores of the affinity-seeking 
strategy scale and the summed scores of the CCQ. Research 
question one «/as answered through an assessment of the 
frequencies of each strategy. High use of a strategy was defined 
by a mean score of 2.5 or higher, and low use of a strategy was 
defined by a mean score of 1.5 or lower (McCroskey & McCroskey, 
1986) . 

Research question two was answered using stepwise multiple 
regression analysis. Each affinity-seeking strategy served as a 
predictor variable and the summed climate score served as the 
criterion variable. In addition, correlational data between each 
of the 25 strategies and the composite climate score were 
obtained. Research question three was answered using t-tests. A 
t-test examined the differences of perceptions of affinity- 
seeking strategy usage and perceptions of classroom climate 
between male and female subjects. 

Results 

This study explored student perceptions of how basic course 
instructors utilize affinity-seeking strategies to establish a 
communication climate in the classroom. 

The hypothesis was supported x r = .45, p< .01). A 
significant relationship exists between the perceived use of 
affinity-seeking strategies and the establishment of classroom 
communication climate. 



15 

The first research question indicates that basic course 
instructors utilize a variety of affinity-seeking strategies (see 
Table 1) . These include altruism, assume control, assume 
equality, comfortable self, conversational rule-keeping, 
dynamism, elicit other's disclosure, facilitate enjoyment, 
listening, nonverbal immediacy, optimism, personal autonomy, 
physical attractiveness, presenting interesting self, self- 
concept confirmation, sensitivity, similarity, supportiveness, 
and trustworthiness. Strategies not used or rarely used include 
concede control, inclusion of others, influence perceptions of 
closeness, openness, reward association, and self -inclusion. 

The second research question inquired about the particular 
affinity-seeking strategies that had an effect upon classroom 
climate. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that six 
affinity-seeking strategies contributed significantly to the 
establishment of classroom climate and accounted for 47% of the 
variance. These strategies are trustworthiness, influence 
perceptions of closeness, present interesting self, altruism, 
reward association, and assume equality (see Table 2) . The 
summed affinity-seeking scale was correlated with classroom 
climate (F = 30.10, df = 1/145, p_<.001) and accounted for 17% of 
the variance. Nineteen of the 2 5 strategies were significantly 
correlated with classroom climate (see Table 3) . 

The third research question explored whether men and women 
perceive affinity-seeking and classroom climate differently. 
There was no significant difference between male and female 

ERIC 10 



16 



students' perceptions for either teacher use of affinity-seeking 
strategies (t = 1.15, df = 14 5, p = .252) or teacher 
establishment of classroom climate (t = .15, df = 145, p = .883). 



In this study, a significant relationship^exist^ between the 
perceived use of affinity-seeking strategies and the 
establishment of communication climate. Students who perceived a 
positive communication climate reported a more frequent use of 
affinity-seeking strategies by their instructors. A post-hoc 
analysis of the relationship found that a significant 
relationship exists between affinity-seeking and a supportive 
climate (r = .58, p <.01). This finding supports Rosenfeld's 
(1983) contention that support iveness is more important than 
def ensiveness in communication climate assessment. 

Previous research has established that grade level and 
subject matter affects a teacher's use of affinity-seeking 
strategies (Gorham et al., 1989). In this study, basic course 
instructors were perceived to use, with regularity, 19 of the 2 5 
affinity-seeking strategies. This finding is generally 
consistent with the results reported by Frymier and Thompson 
(1992) . The six strategies reported as not being used — concede 
control, inclusion of others, influence perceptions of closeness, 
openness, reward association, and self -inclusion — is a finding 
also consistent with other studies. Elementary and secondary 
school teachers reported that teachers did not use these six 
strategies (McCroskey and McCroskey, 1986) . Frymier and Thompson 



Discussion 




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17 



17 

(1992) found that reward association and self-inclusion are not 
related to teacher credibility or student motivation. Prisbell 

(1993) stated that reward association, self-inclusion, and 
influence perceptions of closeness are not strategies used to 
promote teacher competence. Thus, while a variety of affinity- 
seeking strategies are reported as being used by teachers in the 
classroom, there is consensus that certain affinity-seeking 
strategies are riot effective for use in the classroom. 

Trustworthiness emerged as the most significant predictor of 
classroom climate. The prevalent use of this strategy has been 
noted by other researchers as well (Frymier & Thompson, 1992; 
Gorham et al. , 1989; McCroskey & McCroskey, 1986; Prisbell, 1993; 
Roach, 1991) . This indicates, perhaps, that teacher credibility 
is an important factor in student perceptions of the formation of 
classroom climate. Students who trust their instructors are 
invariably more likely to perceive other positive attributes as 
well . 

It was also discovered that gender did not appear to affect 
the perceptions of either affinity-seeking or classroom climate. 
Moreover, Roach (1991) concluded that male and female instructors 
do not differ in their use of affinity-seeking strategies. 
Student perceptions of the classroom, then, may be affected by 
the teacher role and teacher behavior rather than teacher sex or 
student sex (Jordan, McGreal, & Wheelesss, 1990). 

Because previous research has examined the teacher 
perspective and the student perspective separately, future 



18 



18 

directions for research should include an examination of 
affinity-seeking strategy usage using the same pool of teachers 
and students. Doing so might reflect a more accurate picture of 
affinity-seeking uit» 'If affinity is indeed important in 
classroom contexts, then it behooves investigators to . . . 
demonstrate, behaviorally , the important relationships" (Daly & 
Kreiser, 1993, pp. 141-142). 

Classroom climate research must focus upon the definition of 
climate as a construct. For example, Myers operationally defined 
climate as "the verbal and nonverbal behaviors used . . . that 
established the communicative tone for the students in the 
classroom" (p. 7) . Neer and Kircher (1989) defined climate as 
"participation which occurs as a consequence of interpersonal 
approval" and the "ability to adapt to the interpersonal context 
of the class" (p. 73) . Merkel, on the other hand, identified 
selected variables of classroom climate (i.e., opportunity to 
communicate, communication competence) and studied these 
variables in isolation. 

In any case, the classroom context is filled with a large 
number of communication variables which affect the establishment 
of communication climate. The use of affinity-seeking strategies 
is just one variable. It is no surprise that the use of 
affinity-seeking strategies influences the perception of 
classroom climate. However, this perception of climate is 
undoubtedly influenced by other variables as well, which needs to 
be identified and studied. 



19 

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21 

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Table 1 

Mean scores of affinity-seeking strategie s 







Mean 


SD 


1. 


Altruism 


3 . 03 


1.06 


2 . 


Assvme Control 


2 .71 


1.37 


3 . 


Assume Equality 


2.78 


1. 34 


4 . 


Comfortable Self 


3 . 62 


. 89 


5. 


Concede Control 


1.71 


1.44 


6. 


Conversation Rule-Keeping 


3.25 


1.13 


7 . 


Dynami sm 


3.29 


1. 13 


8 . 


Elicit Other's Disclosure 


3 . 38 


. 92 


9 . 


Facilitate Enjoyment 


3.05 


1.20 


10 . 


Inclusion of Others 


. 67 


1.31 


11. 


Influence Perceptions of Closeness 


.83 


1.37 


12. 


Listening 


3 . 27 


.99 


13 . 


Nonverbal Immediacy 


2. 51 


1.38 


14 . 


Openness 


1.38 


1 .45 


15. 


Optimism 


3.44 


. 89 


16. 


Personal Autonomy 


3.41 


.99 


17 . 


Physical Attractiveness 


2. 80 


1.24 


18 . 


Presenting Interesting Self 


2 .90 


1.34 


19. 


Reward Association 


1.30 


1. 50 


20 . 


Self -Concept Confirmation 


3 . 34 


.96 


21. 


Self -Inclusion 


1. 62 


1. 50 


22 . 


S* .nsitivity 


2.66 


1.28 


23 . 


Similarity 


2. 55 


1.22 


24 . 


Support iveness 


3 . 04 


1. 04 


25. 


Trustworthiness 


3. 2.3 


1. 04 



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Table 2 

Summary of stepwise multiple regression analysis 



Step/ strategy 



Mult. 
R 



R Beta 



prob. 



1. Trustworthiness .52 

2. Closeness .59 

3. Interesting Self ,64 

4. Altruism .66 

5. Reward .67 

6. Assume Eguality .68 



27 
34 
41 
43 
45 
47 



.24 
.23 
.24 
. 16 
•.14 
. 15 



52 . 63 
37 . 62 
33 . 08 
27 . 10 
23 . 09 
20.43 



. 000 
. 000 
. 000 
. 000 
. 000 
. 000 



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Alp 



26 

Table 3 

Correlations between affinity-seeking strategies and climate 



Affinity-seeking strategy 


Classroom Climate 


1 . 


Altruism 


. 45* 


2 . 


Assume Control 


. 09 


3 . 


Assume Equality 


.41* 


4 . 


Comfortable Self 


. 37* 


5 . 


Concede Control 


- . 01 


6 . 


rnnvprQatinn Pnlp-Kppnin^ 


. 41* 


7. 


Dynamism 


.42* 


8. 


Elicit Other's Disclosure 


. 29* 


9 . 


Facilitate Enjoyment 


.42* 


10. 


Inclusion of Others 


- 15 


11. 


Influence Perceptions of Closeness 


- . 28* 


12 . 


Listening 


.40* 


13 . 


Nonverbal Immediacy 


. 13 


14 . 


Openness 


-. 10 


15. 


Optimism 


. 32* 


16. 


Personal Autonomy 


. 22* 


17. 


Physical Attractiveness 


. 22* 


18 . 


Presenting Interesting Self 


. 49* 


19 . 


Reward Association 


-.16* 


20. 


Self -Concept Confirmation 


.43* 


21. 


Self-Inclusion 


-.02 


22 . 


Sensitivity 


.43* 


23 . 


Similarity 


.21* 


24 . 


Support iveness 


. 49* 


25. 


Trustworthiness 


. 52* 


Multiple R 


.41 


R square 


. 17 


F value 


30. 10 


probability 


. 000 


Note 


*p_ < .01 





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