Containing a methodological and conceptual critique of rules theory, this paper argues that rules theory cannot adequately explain enigmatic episodes because of its reliance on the practical syllogism and the concept of coordination. It proposes structural analysis as an alternative approach to analyzing and conceiving of enigmatic episodes. The…

Compared the Marital Interaction Coding System (MICS) and the Communication Skills Test (CST) to determine the similarities and differences in the assessment data obtained from these observational measures. Coded videotaped marital conflict-resolution discussions of married couples with both systems. Husband-wife and distressed and nondistressed…

This study examined the ability of six children with specific language impairment (SLI), ages 8 to 12, to particpate in a negotiation sequence with two same-age peers in triadic interactions. Children with SLI produced significantly fewer negotiation strategies and used developmentally lower level strategies than peers. The coding system is…

This classic paper, first published in 1964, discusses communication problems involved in a simple guessing game involving a deck of cards, describes a three-person experiment based on the game which used various control procedures to facilitate communications, and considers the effects of these controls on the investigation. Twelve references are…

In a study to seek an alternative methodological approach to collective bargaining research, an interaction model based upon a systems approach to small group communication was used to observe, record, and quantify the communication behavior of teacher/school board negotiators. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether the interaction…

The papers in this collection were initially presented in two successive conferences that dealt with the collection, use, and reporting of spoken language for educational research. The ten papers deal with the method and procedures used in studying talk in a school situation; an analysis of the interaction between the researcher and a group of…

Communication skills are important for children with developmental disabilities to be functional and independent in their own lives. This study examined influences of different types of listener feedback or breakdowns on repair behaviors of nonverbal children with disabilities during semi-structured opportunities at snack time. Three preschool…

The purposes of this book include the following: (1) to help students in acquiring knowledge and skills needed to design and conduct experimental research, (2) to acquaint potential researchers with the various methods and instruments that are available, and (3) to suggest new areas of research. These purposes are discussed in the three parts of…

Experimental and supplementary observational studies of how children help one another learn are reported. In the experiment, developmental patterns in children's discourse in two common peer-learning situations were investigated. Sixty-four pairs of children, drawn equally from kindergarten and second grade, participated in the study. Dyads,…