Has research by communication scholars made a difference in the practices or outcomes of communication in society? The author's answer to this question is based on her belief that there are three distinct ways in which communication research has made a difference, not all of which fit the traditional definitions of translational research. To…

This is an article in a series illustrating the way scholars in communication have pursued translating their research into practice. The translational nature of communication accommodation theory and examples of its application are the focus of this contribution.

Knowing is an enacted, communicated process that is difficult to observe, let alone manage, in organizations. Communities of practice (CoPs) offer a productive solution for improving knowledge and knowledge management, but the communicative processes that enact CoPs have not been explored, leaving CoPs as an organizational black box. This research…

Examines the institution of health from the communication perspective. Discusses the new emphasis on preventing illness through individuals'"proper" behavior. Advocates a communication-based approach to values in health care: a person-centered value base including both reason and emotion, contrary to the principle-based, rational mode of…

Examines how an expression of anger affects the receiver's perceptions of anger in a close interpersonal relationship. Reports that findings contradicted conventional wisdom and research findings on assertive communication. (MM)

In an attempt to better understand the quality of interprofessional relationships, research used a confirmation/disconfirmation framework to analyze communication in nurse-physician dyads. Results indicated that nurses and physicians were primarily confirming in their interaction. (SRT)

Discusses the communication relationship between physician and patient and ways to improve it. (VLC)

Investigates concerns among both disabled and able-bodied individuals concerning helping behavior in three settings: a sheltered workshop, a social activity group, and a university. Finds that helping did not appear to be a serious problem, and proposes 17 tentative "rules" for helping the handicapped. (KEH)

Supported previous research stating that audio-only channels are highly satisfactory and often superior to video channels for teleconferences in which information dissemination is the primary task. (PD)

Outlines a conceptual framework and measurement model of the social cognitive processes underlying marital communication, specifying a two-dimensional configuration consisting of marriage-specific and general social cognitive processes. Studies conducted to develop and validate a measure of conjugal understanding confirm the proposed model.…

Discusses the importance of impression management, an individual's conscious attempt to exercise control over selected communicative behaviors and cues for purposes of making a desired impression. Provides a comprehensive conceptualization of the impression-management process, and demonstrates how this process can facilitate effective training of…

Investigates interpersonal communication in a high tech organization to test the association between high tech organizations and Western styles of symbolic interaction. Takes a diagnostic, rather than prescriptive, approach to organizational change. (MM)

Addresses the impact of patients' beliefs about health care on their decisions to follow medical advice and to undertake different actions to prevent illness. Concludes that among other things, doctors need to become more willing to modify their treatment plans according to patient needs. (VLC)

Argues that accounts (explanations of conduct) provided in selection interviews are not powerless speech forms. Examines relative frequencies of accounts, and describes a subset of selection interviews as "hazardous" communication events. Suggests that accounts, if not excessive, assist applications by explaining away questionable…

Discusses the importance of patient recall of health information and factors influencing and that are influenced by it. Concludes that highly expressive or effective speakers of the same sex are more helpful in promoting recall. (VLC)