Reticent and non‐reticent college students’ preferred communication channels for interacting with faculty

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Abstract
This study examined the relationship between reticence and preferences for channels of communication with faculty. Undergraduate students completed measures of reticence, comfort level about using various communication channels, and usage preferences for those channels when interacting with instructors. Results indicated that students’ level of reticence is associated with their comfort level and usage preferences when communicating with faculty. Compared to non‐reticents, reticent students prefer using e‐mail and are less likely to visit an instructor at his or her office. All dimensions of the Reticence Scale were negatively related to comfort level for face‐to‐face, telephone communication, and usage preference for visiting a teacher during office hours. Finally, students’ usage preferences vary according to the situation and are associated with reticence.