Modality Switching

Abstract

Modality switching often involves shifting between communication channels that vary in their ability to transmit nonverbal and social information. The modality switching perspective developed as a result of contradictory findings about the effects of switching from one communication channel to another on how partners perceived each other, their communication, and their relationship. The perspective offers a resolution to these findings by identifying the length of time partners are allowed for interaction as an important moderator that accounts for both the positive and negative findings reported in published studies. This entry describes the emergence of the perspective, theoretical approaches used in its study, and empirical findings resulting from its investigation