Evaluated were the effects of symbol versus speech training instruction on the behavior of four autistic children (8-9 years old). Following observation of their classroom and free play behavior, Ss participated in a training sequence involving Peabody Rebus Reading symbols and more traditional speech training procedures. Ss' inappropriate…

Using a computerized content analysis, the authors demonstrate changes in speech behaviors of prison inmates. They conclude that two to four hours of public speaking training can have only limited effect on students who live in a culture in which "prison speech" is the expected and rewarded form of behavior. (PD)

Reports the results of stage two of a three-stage project designed to develop, through field testing, a model for determining the norms of general adult communication behavior. Discusses implications of this study, including those for planners of communication instruction. (PD)

As part of a research project on teacher power in the classroom, a study examined behavior alteration techniques (BATs) and behavior representative messages (BAMs) used by elementary and secondary school teachers in classroom management. In the first phase of the study, 177 college students generated lists of BATs and BAMs, and then, working in…

To explain evidence that females receive higher grades in communication courses than males, one researcher has posed a competence/compliance paradox: either, women are more competent communicators and are only judged to be less competent in public life because of prejudice, or, women are not as competent as men in communication as demonstrated in…