Figure 4

Student’s self-reported scores in communication competence from Iterations 3 and 4 of the simulation. A. Overall scores from both iterations including the average scores from each cohort. Thresholds between High (scores > 87) and Low (scores < 59) competence are indicated, as well as a line that represents no change between pre- and post-scores (i.e., students above the line scored higher in the post-test). Iteration 3 had a wider range of student scores and more students with larger shifts. Students who participated in press conferences (denoted by outlined symbols) scored mostly positive, and some negative changes, while students who did not participate did not change competence between pre- and post-tests. B. The SPCC instrument (Self-perceived communication competence; McCroskey and McCroskey 1988) allows the student responses to be broken down into subcategories. All subcategories, on average, showed positive shifts from pre-test to post-test in both iterations. Iteration 3 illustrated higher shifts in most categories, and both iterations showed notable shifts in the public speaking category.