Examines the impact of nonverbal cues on participants' and observers' perceptions of relational messages in an experiment in which participants interacted with a confederate who systematically varied his or her communication style. Finds that nonverbal indicators of involvement and pleasantness were systematically related to relational message…

Discusses the probative potential of evidence in argument, and evaluates the importance of evidence in predicting belief change. Predicts adherence to argument claims and confirms the traditionally recognized importance of evidence to persuasion. (JMF)

An agenda-setting effect of the first Ford-Carter debate on college student viewers is demonstrated. Subjects who viewed the debate seem to have effected a synthesis between their personal priorities and the relative weight accorded issues in the debate. (JMF)

Results indicate that individuals with relatively less developed (less differentiated) interpersonal construct systems can be expected to exhibit greater consistency between their attitudes about a person and their behavioral intentions toward that person than those with more developed interpersonal construct systems. (PD)

Reports on a study testing the assumption that communication apprehension is a stable trait not influenced by situational factors. Results indicate that communication apprehension scores are determined by situation, in this case anticipated speech performance, raising questions concerning the use of state-trait distinction in speech anxiety…

A Q-analysis of cartoons published during the 1976 presidential campaign provides evidence of the complex patterns of shared fantasies among various types of voters, and the relationships between these fantasies and those dramatized by various groups during the political campaign. (JMF)

Develops an empirical framework for examining the process and outcome of negotiation. The hypothesis of the proposed model is confirmed indicating that prenegotiation expectations and social power strategy implementation are the most significant predictors of outcome. Also examines the situation and personality traits relevant to the negotiation…

Supports the hypothesis that interaction processes connected with the Valence Distribution Model mediated the effect of decision schemes on group decisions. Substantiates the assumptions that interaction is a crucial factor in group decision making. Although input conditions may also have an impact on decision outcomes, they are mediated by…

Examines the groupthink phenomenon under controlled, laboratory conditions. Results indicate that the presence or absence of disagreement (conflict, hostility) among members may be the best discriminator between groupthink and nongroupthink groups. (JMF)

Presents an experimental study designed to investigate the influence of message design strategies on cognitive processing and changes in attitudes, behavioral intentions, and behavior in relation to marijuana use. Explains that in the experiment, college students viewed four anti-marijuana public service announcements. Notes that results provide…