Reports the development of a Verbal Systems Analysis procedure for investigating significant form in verbal communications through a process which operationalizes two of the central concepts of form in Kenneth Burke's theory of symbolic action. (MH)

Investigates four directional hypotheses pertaining to the interactive effects of communicator and message type on attitude change and terminal perceptions of the communicator. (MH)

Contends that subjective or perceived homophily is more important than objective homophily in determining communication outcomes since it is communicator perceptions that influence communicator behavior. (MH)

Argues that movements are a kind of ritual conflict whose most distinguishing form is confrontation. (MH)

Investigates the relative influence of an individual's orientation toward himself and others by ascertaining his satisfaction with a dyadic communication experience. (MH)

Tracks bargaining interaction and the development of arguments between school administrators and teachers (on the issue of teachers' files and evaluations) through sequential sessions and caucus meetings. Examines similarities and differences in the reasoning process on subissues that are dropped, modified, or retained in the final argument. (PD)

Examined the skill and gender of individual group discussants and the sex composition of the group as factors potentially influencing perceptions of emergent leadership. Confirmed that task competence, more than gender, was crucially related to an individual's emergence as the group's leader. (PD)