Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3 points which relate to rumor in everyday conversation, from the viewpoint of interpersonal communication. The first point was the rate of passing on rumors, the second was the relations between rumor and everyday conversation, and the third was factors exerted on rumor transmission. Three hundred undergraduates (Study 1) and 315 undergraduates (Study 2) completed the questionnaires regarding the frequency of their passing on rumors, their relationship with the transmission partner, various evaluations of the contents of it, and everyday topics in conversation. Study 1 was carried out in May, and Study 2 in November. As a result of analysis, it is suggested that rumor fulfills the function of making up for a shortage of topics.
