Lecture
The lecture used in this study lasted roughly 12 min and covered four communica- tion theories: uncertainty reduction theory, social penetration theory, social exchange theory, and relational dialectics theory. Within each theory, the lecture covered four topics: general explanation of the theory, assumptions of the theory, how the theory explains relationship formation, and how the theory explains relationship dissolu- tion. A male instructor not involved in this study was recruited to present the lecture from a script and to have this lecture recorded. Procedures called for each group to view the exact same lecture; thus, the content students viewed did not change, and
only the conditions under which they watched the lecture differed (i.e., the group they were assigned to).
Tests of Student Learning
At the end of the video lecture, students were given a three-minute review period to look over their notes. After the review period, they were instructed to place their notes in the envelope and take out a sheet of paper labeled Free Recall Test. The free recall test provided students with the organization or main headers from the lecture, but without corresponding details. For this test, students were given five minutes to fill in all details that they could remember from the lecture. After five minutes had elapsed, they were instructed to place the recall test in their envelope and take out a Multiple-Choice Test. The multiple-choice test consisted of 16 questions covering material from the lecture. Students were given five minutes to complete the multiple- choice test, after which they were instructed to place the completed test in their envelope and take out a brief survey asking various demographic questions. After completing the survey, students were instructed to make sure all study materials had been placed in their envelope and to then return the envelope to the researcher.