Investigates the potential control strategies a persuader may use and the impact of situational differences on a persuader's strategic choice. (MH)

This study was designed to test two alternative explanations for the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. It was found that the issue similarity variable had no effect on compliance. However, within the similar issue condition there was a cumulative effect of persuasive message and small request. (Author)

Comments on Maier and Seligman's research (EJ 138 911) on learned helplessness, specifically on their analysis of alternatives to the learned helplessness hypothesis. (Author/RK)

Analyzes the logical and stylistic flaws in George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.'s "Politics and the American Language," suggesting a new approach to the study of public language. (DD)

Traces changes in the concept of argument. Results of three studies (of 5-16 year olds, of transition from high school to college, and of higher education) are used to form a working definition: arrangement of linguistic, visual, and/or physical propositions in engagement with one or more points of reference to change or assert a position. (SK)

Proposes a systematic approach to the analysis of states of the union speeches, based on Goffman's concept "footing." This concept allows making a distinction between several functional aspects of the roles speakers and listeners perform in speech situations, as exemplified in the case of the Dutch Queen addressing the Israeli…

States that feminist argumentation is characterized by its commitment to analyze critically patriarchal reasoning and (re)visioning argument theory to include considerations of gender. Analyzes how/why a patriarchal line of argument privileging the male norm is produced and (re)produced in the fetal protection controversy. Uses the "Johnson…

Considers irony as rhetorical strategy in presidential campaigns. Argues that it promotes identification on the basis of public cynicism toward government, through which people transcend problems of government. Views irony in campaign rhetoric as the candidates' response to increasing levels of cynicism toward government. Concludes that candidates…

Considers how working with accounts of famous trials can involve students in thinking through and critiquing important techniques of argumentation. Discusses how criticism that can be applied to arguments in criminal proceedings can sometimes be applied to arguments in student essays. Discusses how the author incorporates this into her classroom.…

Uses forensic chemical science in an elementary setting and investigates how students apply knowledge to a real-world scenario. (YDS)

Critiques the claim that Haitian children cannot actively engage in science classroom by examining the cultural practice of "bay odyans," a form of discourse similar to scientific argumentation. Offers examples of Haitian students recreating bay odyans in science classrooms and suggests that these students have a cultural experience that…