A test of attitudes toward arguments based on varied levels of probability. (CH)

Twenty-three subjects drew deductions from ten different pairs of conversationally conveyed requests, of which the first conveyed a positive request, the second, a negative. Some evidence shows the listener constructs the literal meaning before the conveyed meaning. (CK)

This article questions the validity of a mathematical theory of communication as applied to the study of language. The main argument is that the linguist must consider the vertical ordering of elements as well as the linear quality of language. (Text is in French.) (AM)

This article examines the notion of sign on various levels, concluding that which pertains to the linguistic level is pertinent; that which pertains to the expressive level is redundant. The notions of connotation and denotation are discussed. (Text is in French.) (AM)

This article attacks the practice of using criteria based on adult language to describe language acquisition in children. Principally it is a matter of contradiction between criteria of form and criteria of meaning or function. (Text is in French.) (AM)

The study was designed to show the important role of communication in learning. It was postulated that a high-kinetic-structured lesson would facilitate a greater amount of affective learning than would a low-kinetic-structured lesson. The results supported the hypothesis. (BR)

This study (the second of a 2-part project exploring the communication patterns of the elderly) examined whether the quantity and frequency of conversational talk affected how favorably an individual was viewed as a partner for activities within a small social network of elderly black persons. Subjects, 5 black women ranging in age from 65 to 78,…

A study examined how beliefs about arguing are related to the general motivation to argue. Subjects, 505 undergraduate students, were administered the Argumentativeness Scale and a beliefs-about-arguing measure. The scale contained 10 items for measuring the general tendency to approach arguments and 10 items for measuring the general tendency to…

Existing theories of value debating (resolutions dealing with values rather than policy) may be more effectively applied and developed when viewed as stock issues paradigms for debating values in competitive situations. Issues are vital to an advocate's cause because they are essential to the meaning of a proposition and can also provide an…

Composition researchers and teachers grant that the relationship of non-verbal thinking and language plays a crucial role in the writing of fiction and poetry, but they are sometimes reluctant to perceive that non-verbal thinking must, necessarily, be crucial, with different emphases, in the thinking/writing processes of rhetoric. Activities and…

This study examines chemistry instruction from a perspective based primarily on John Ziman's communal knowledge model for science. Several grade 10, 11, and 12 chemistry lessons by three different teachers at three different schools were observed and audiotaped. Data were examined to demonstrate the occurrence of certain specific pedagogic tactics…

A study involving seven certified teachers, six aides, and 60 children investigated the effects of training on teachers' verbal contingent responses on handicapped preschoolers. Previous research on the effectiveness of preschool programs was reviewed, and literature on suggested competencies for teachers was considered. Teachers were observed in…

Several forms of journal writing, both graded and ungraded and serving different purposes, were used to enhance instruction and outcomes of a basic course in oral communication. In-class journals, written in the first five minutes of class and intended to stimulate thought rather than to practice correct writing, were on a topic assigned by the…

This bibliographic review aims to present a single comprehensive source of references to facilitate clinical application of data obtained on the vocal activity of normal infants and to facilitate continued research on prelinguistic vocal output. The bibliography cites the published observational, empirical, and theoretical reports that examine the…

Coaching rhetorical criticism events is demanding because it places demands on a forensic coach's knowledge of rhetorical theory and method and is time consuming. However, it may become a simpler event to coach if there is an understanding of the process of developing a speech for rhetorical criticism and specific strategies that can be used in…