This study explores the potential for automated indices related to speech delivery, language use, and topic development to model human judgments of TOEFL speaking proficiency in second language (L2) speech samples. For this study, 244 transcribed TOEFL speech samples taken from 244 L2 learners were analyzed using automated indices taken from…

This study explores the potential for automated indices related to speech delivery, language use, and topic development to model human judgments of TOEFL speaking proficiency in second language (L2) speech samples. For this study, 244 transcribed TOEFL speech samples taken from 244 L2 learners were analyzed using automated indices taken from…

This study examined the relationship between viewing an infant DVD and expressive and receptive language outcomes. Children between 12 and 15 months were randomly assigned to view "Baby Wordsworth," a DVD highlighting words around the house marketed for children beginning at 12 months of age. Viewings took place in home settings over 6 weeks.…

Discusses the constructs of decentration and reading achievement; summarizes related research findings. Reports a study of the relationship between children's abilities to use decentered spoken language and reading achievement. Found significant correlations between egocentric spoken language and reading achievement scores for children in grades 2…

A study was conducted to develop a taxonomy of decision criteria employed by Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) debate critics. Four hypothesis characteristics were tested: (1) audience-centered critics would have a higher proportion of presentational remarks than analytic-centered critics; (2) audience-centered critics would devote a…

To develop a taxonomy of Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) critics, a study associated professed judging philosophy and responses to survey questions with ballot behavior and elaborated judging profiles. Subjects were debate critics who judged rounds at CEDA tournaments in the Northeast during the Spring 1989 season. In all, 13 critics…

Although researchers studying human speech recognition (HSR) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) share a common interest in how information processing systems (human or machine) recognize spoken language, there is little communication between the two disciplines. We suggest that this lack of communication follows largely from the fact that…

Finds that New Zealand students sampled were significantly less willing to communicate and experienced greater communication apprehension than U.S. students. Finds significant negative correlations for United States students between communication apprehension and humor variables (liking of humor, sensitivity to humor, and coping humor), whereas…

Subjects (students, coaches, communication instructors, general public) listened to audiotaped speeches, indicated the criteria used in evaluating speeches, rated the importance of criteria, and ranked the speakers. Findings indicate that subjects tended to interpret and apply criteria differently. Study suggests need for stronger feedback between…

A study was conducted to develop and test the empirical validity of a middle-range theory designed to explain and predict the relationship between speech communication egocentrism and reading achievement. The theory predicts an inverse relationship between elementary school children's levels of speech communication egocentrism and reading…

Results suggest that, without competing motivational forces, students high in communication apprehension (CA) spend less time talking than do students in low CA. (PD)

Examined relationships among cognitive complexity (social perception skill), verbal ability, and communication competence in classroom communication. Found (1) moderate correlations between cognitive complexity and verbal ability and between communication competence and verbal ability and (2) minimal association between the overall communication…

Investigated the particular beliefs that differentiate types of argumentative individuals. Found that high argumentative students tend to perceive arguing primarily as an enjoyable learning experience demonstrating rhetorical skills, while low argumentatives view arguing as a hostile communication encounter that increases conflict between people.…

Focuses on the relationship between storytelling and organizational socialization. Examines the form, subject matter, and functions of stories and concludes that stories serve as a means for members of an organization to express their knowledge, understanding, and commitment to the organization. (PD)

A study sought to determine what relationships existed between speech rate, speech pitch variation, speech loudness, and the personality assessments made by listeners. The subjects, 214 undergraduate speech communication students, listened to one of eight tape recordings made by a male speaker to represent all the combinations of the three…