Goal Detection and Efficiency: Neglected Aspects of Message Production

Communication researchers interested in message production have yet to delineate clearly the unique aspects of the message-production process they wish to explain. The processes by which others' goals are detected in social situations and the degree to which the deployment of messages and actions achieves goals efficiently are two aspects of message production that require explanation. The potential adaptive significance of goal detection, the degree to which various goals require message production for their achievement, and the relationship between common ground and efficiency also are considered.