Communication Apprehension Among Female EFL Majors: Quantitative Assessment and Qualitative Exploration of the Influencing Factors

This research sought to assess the status-quo of communication apprehension (henceforth CA) and investigate the influencing factors. To realise this objective, the research adopted the mixed method (the explanatory sequential design). The quantitative method was used to identify the status- quo of CA, and the qualitative method to uncover the factors influencing CA. PRCA (McCroskey, 2005) was adopted to assess the participants’ level of CA, and the focus-group interview was used to explore the influencing factors. The subjects of the research in the quantitative phase were 111 female EFL majors from all academic levels registered in the Department of English, College of Science & Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University; the subjects of the qualitative phase were 15 female EFL majors who agreed willingly to take part in the quantitative phase. The research findings revealed that the research participants display a high level of CA (very apprehensive); the focus group interview highlights various sub-factors under many categories such as personal, social, educational, psychological, and linguistic factors. The research recommended employing CA-reducing strategies such as creating a friendly environment, providing constructive feedback, and integrating technology tools in the teaching-learning process.