The Segal Interaction Analysis Scale (SIAS)--a categorization of verbal behaviors--is described and its uses indicated for promoting effective and productive group discussions. (MB)

The purpose of this study was the development and testing of an instrument for measuring interaction behavior in small group communication. It was designed to produce valid and reliable measures for each dimension of such behavior. (Author/JB)

The Levels of Verbal Intimacy Technique (LOVIT) is an instrument for the analysis of verbal statements along a continuum from most intimate to least intimate. It enables an observer to place all verbal statements in one of 10 categories along this intimacy continuum. The technique has been used in research. (Author)

Examines patterns of oral communication in encounter groups and identifies three stages of group life: boundary-seeking, ambivalence and actualization. (MH)

The importance of talkativeness or the relative frequency of contributing to task interaction was examined as a factor which determines person perception. Quantity but not quality of task contributions was significantly related to the attribution of creativity and influence over others. (Author/JB)

Reviews a study indicating that articulate deviates expressing themselves within the context of informal group discussions are capable of exerting considerable influence on the opinions of others. (MH)

The prototype verbal interaction recording technique described is used for studying individuals in small groups. A methodology for recording verbal interaction is developed in an effort to create a system for analyzing interpersonal and social forces in operation within groups. (SM)

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health grant MH-08274.

Discusses a study designed to investigate the relationships between vocal activity level and interpersonal attraction, perceived credibility, perceived homophily or interpersonal similarity and perceived power or ability to influence. (MH)

The willingness to manipulate others has been called Machiavellianism. The purpose of the present study was to acquire a preliminary answer to the question: what verbal communicative strategies do people with high Machiavellian characteristics employ which permit them to influence and control the group process? (Author)

This study compared the effectiveness of facilitator-directed and self-directed personal growth group treatments toward inducing therapeutic verbal interaction. An interaction process analysis approach, the Hill Interaction Matrix (HIM) statement-by-statement system, was used to examine treatment differences. (Author)

Analyzes and categorizes directional factors, and exploratory sequences related to them, via videotaped sessions of two teenage school work groups. Shows stimuli which initiate exploratory sequences are found for all directional factors in problem solving or decision making. Reveals rule-governed or routinized behavior relates to directional…

Symbolic interaction is the foundation for a theory of rhetoric developed in this paper. As manipulators of symbols, humans, unlike all other animals, use abstractions both to indicate (describe things present) and to represent (describe intangible things). Only human beings are capable of the elaborate systems of linguistic reference called…

Confrontation, or aggressive verbal behavior, has been defended as a rhetorical tactic by some communication theorists on five bases: biological, psychological, sociological, rhetorical, and intellectual. Proponents of "rhetorical sensitivity," however, differ from those who would accept confrontation uncritically. Confrontation is not…