Examines the validity of scales designed to tap certain trait variables that influence the process of information gathering. Argues that these constructs and their associated scales have been accepted prematurely and that such acceptance has potentially important ramifications for uncertainty theory in particular, and for communication theory in…

Discusses use of focus groups as qualitative research methodology and as reflection tool in service learning. Three focus groups at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) assessed cognitive outcomes of service-learning and encouraged students' reflection on their experience. Focus group data were triangulated with survey data to assess validity of…