Computer-Mediated Communication Competence Scale – CMCC
Measures an individual's self-reported competence, motivation, knowledge, and skills in computer-mediated communication.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Computer-Mediated Communication Competence Scale – CMCC was developed by Brian H. Spitzberg (2006). It is designed to measure Computer-Mediated Communication Competence. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 77 items organized into 15 factors/subscales: Motivation, Knowledge, Efficacy, Coordination, Attentiveness, Expressiveness, Composure, Selectivity, Appropriateness, Effectiveness, Clarity, Satisfaction, Attractiveness, Efficiency/Productivity, General Usage/Experience.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | 1,2,3,4,5 | 5 |
| Knowledge | 6,7,8,9,10 | 5 |
| Efficacy | 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 | 8 |
| Coordination | 19,20,21,22 | 4 |
| Attentiveness | 23,24,25,26 | 4 |
| Expressiveness | 27,28,29,30 | 4 |
| Composure | 31,32,33,34,35,36 | 6 |
| Selectivity | 37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48 | 12 |
| Appropriateness | 49,50,51,52 | 4 |
| Effectiveness | 53,54,55,56 | 4 |
| Clarity | 57,58,59,60 | 4 |
| Satisfaction | 61,62,63,64 | 4 |
| Attractiveness | 65,66,67,68 | 4 |
| Efficiency/Productivity | 69,70,71,72 | 4 |
| General Usage/Experience | 73,74,75,76,77 | 5 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Not at all true of me, 2 = Mostly not true of me, 3 = Neither true nor untrue of me; undecided, 4 = Mostly true of me, 5 = Very true of me.
The scale includes 6 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 77 to 385. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low CMC Competence: 77 – 180
- Moderate CMC Competence: 181 – 280
- High CMC Competence: 281 – 385
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Motivation (alpha .85), Knowledge (alpha .90), Efficacy (alpha .85), Coordination (alpha .78), Attentiveness (alpha .82), Expressiveness (alpha .74), Composure (alpha .88), Appropriateness (alpha .87), Effectiveness (alpha .85), Satisfaction (alpha .78), Productivity/efficiency (alpha .72), General Usage (alpha .65).
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.