Bavelas, J. B., Hutchinson, S., Kenwood, C., & Matheson, D. H.  (1997). Using face-to-face dialogue as a standard for other communication systems. Canadian Journal of Communication, 22, 5 - 24.

Review by Aaron Dimock (2000)

Bavelas et. al. present an interesting argument. Their main point is that face-to-face dialogue should be the model by which we evaluate other forms of communication, such as computer mediated communication.  They break face-to-face into three dimensions: verbal, non-verbal, and collaborative.  They contend that face-to-face communication fills these three dimensions while other forms of communication can only partially replicate the communication process.  Face-to-face has such an advantage (allowing for greater collaboration) because it allows for greater information flow, 100% verbally and non verbally, and immediate feedback, allowing for optimal collaboration (shared understanding).  The article is only conceptual and does not reference studies the group is planning to prove the applicability of this model.  The authors do present some interesting recommendations for computer mediated programs.