Reactions of observers, classified as either high or low in self-disclosure flexibility, to high and low behavioral samples of self-disclosure to a stranger were examined. Results suggest self-disclosure flexibility reflects perceptual awareness of social-situational norms governing the appropriateness of self-disclosing behavior. (Author)

Discusses a study designed to investigate the relationships between vocal activity level and interpersonal attraction, perceived credibility, perceived homophily or interpersonal similarity and perceived power or ability to influence. (MH)

This paper explores the utility of applying the conceptual framework of Probabilistic Functionalism to specific dimensions of Goffman's theory of self-presentation. Of particular concern is evaluation of the implications of this reconceptualization for empirical investigation of the effects of central concepts of Goffman's theoretical view. The…

Studies the impact of children's verbal style, age, and sex, on social perception and concludes that the speaker with a dialect most similar to the listener will be perceived as the most credible. (MH)

This research examined the degree of correspondence between children's perceptions of their parents' caregiving behavior, those parents' self-perceptions, and the parents' inferences about how their behavior would be perceived by their child. Eighty child (seven-year-olds) parent pairs completed modified Bronfenbrenner Parent Behavior…

This paper reports on the effects of four forms of kinesic communication and three forms of verbal communication on leadership perception in a small group setting. Forty-eight college age discussants were observed in groups of four during twelve 30-minute sessions. Permitted only visual input, eleven previously trained observers recorded four…