When conducting research on sensitive topics, it is challenging to use new methods of data collection given the apprehensions of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This is especially worrying because sensitive topics of research often require novel approaches. In this article a brief personal history of navigating the IRB process for conducting…

Reports on two studies, retrodictive correspondence and predictive correspondence, conducted to examine three approaches to data analysis generally adopted by compliance-gaining message-selection researchers. Indicates that only one shows a correspondence with actual compliance-gaining message behavior. (JK)

Discusses the focus group, a relatively new method of communication and organizational research. Describes the need for such research, essential ingredients of a quality focus group session, and the advantages and disadvantages of the method. Establishes a theoretical framework and offers examples of focus group research. Suggests methods of focus…

Investigates technical communicators' attitudes about six proposed ways to measure value added. Finds that technical communicators thought the measures are generally appropriate, feasible, and persuasive, but many have doubts about their cost acceptability. (RS)

Analyzes evaluation methods used by winners of the Silver Anvil (an award presented by the Public Relations Society of America for outstanding public relations campaigns and programs) during the 1980s. Concludes that the quality of evaluation activity is far lower than the quantity of evaluation but that practitioners' efforts to substantiate…

Examines the most important constructions of public opinion as they manifest themselves in contemporary opinion research. Discusses public opinion as the aggregate of response to nationally representative polls, the "measurement-error" counterattack, the question-answering model of public opinion, enlightened opinion, and public opinion…

Addresses a recurring inconsistency in the epistemic interpretation of the Family Communication Patterns scales. Reviews the traditional linkage to coorientation and proposes a more direct interpretation. Results confirm that subjects associate the scales with underlying dimensions of conformity or control and openness or supportiveness. Provides…

The Structured Observation System (SOS) is a data collection method developed to document changes in the communication behaviours of children identified with speech and language delays. The system employs a rating scale which reflects the occurrence of communication behaviours as well as the amount of assistance needed for behaviours to occur.…

Enumerates and juxtaposes some of the enduring empirical regularities that opinion polls have found. Details the limits of the key construct of "attitude structure." Critiques the intrapsychic model, and outlines the features of an alternative model of belief systems based on alternative methodologies. (RS)

Suggests that public opinion exists the form of interactionally developed, socially distributed folk models of the world. Suggests that actual public opinion is much more complex in its development and operation than the individualistic model of opinion formation suggests. Argues that opinion researchers need to address moment-to-moment…

A review of current literature regarding the state of the art in the conduct of internal communication and public relations audits by public relations practitioners reveals that these two related measurement activities are of considerable importance to the practice of public relations. Public relations audits are concerned with exploratory…

Noting that in Europe there is a growing criticism of the largely American communication research tradition that focuses on individuals, this paper examines European-style "critical analysis," which looks at social systems. The paper first examines the criticism of American-style "administrative" research, and then discusses…

Three methods of conducting television pilot testing research--the evaluation of television programs for their potential in attracting target and general audiences--are compared and contrasted in the three sections of this report. The introductory section provides an overview of the research, outlines the goals and objectives of the pilot…

Pointing out that linear causal models can organize the interrelationships of a large number of variables, this paper contends that such models are particularly useful to mass communication research, which must by necessity deal with complex systems of variables. The paper first outlines briefly the philosophical requirements for establishing a…

Reports a meta-analysis of published cross-cultural self-construal research. Notes that the results across studies suggests that the evidence for the predicted cultural differences is weak, inconsistent, or nonexistent. Concludes that catastrophic validity problems exist in research involving the use of self-construal scales in cross-cultural…