This paper presented the cumulative knowledge that the authors gained about the "sleeper effect" during a series of 5 experiments. The "sleeper effect" is the improved effects of communication over time -- after one has a chance to "sleep on it." From their experiments, the authors conclude that, at best, the "sleeper effect" is statistically an…

This publication contains three articles centered on the theme of philosophy and rhetoric. In the first article, "Rhetorical Probability and the Search For Truth," Ruth McGaffey submits that in a free society, decision-making is more often than not based on probability, the subject matter of rhetoric, rather than certainty. Robert F. Holton in the…

The practice of criticism of speech communication is advocated, defined, and developed on societal and practical, functional grounds. Although the author concludes that there are few direct societal benefits from criticism of speeches, he does find extensive research writings that center on analysis of rhetorical phenomena, primarily public…

Historian Henry Grady's speeches, particularly one delivered to the New England Club of New York City in 1886, are credited with persuading the North of the South's continued domination of blacks, its need for increased industrialization, and its broadened agriculture. Grady's term "The New South" is defined as a racially conservative,…

This paper explores certain findings of a DAIR (Drug Abuse Information Research) project undertaken at the University of Connecticut which is investigating the dissemination and impact of drug abuse information. Specifically, findings regarding audience response to persuasive antidrug abuse messages on television are discussed. On the basis of the…

The author describes the program which permitted six out of seven candidates for the May 1972 senatorial primary in North Carolina to appear free on educational television. Each candidate was given one hour for his program, with the first thirty minutes spent in a presentation of his own choosing and the last half hour devoted to questioning by a…

The role of ideology in mass media practices is explored in an analysis of the relation between the Paris Commune of 1871 and the Shanghai Commune of 1967, two attempts to translate the philosophical concept of dictatorship of the proletariat into some political form. A review of the use of Paris Commune imagery by the Chinese to mobilize the…

This booklet is one of the National Humanities Faculty publications designed to examine the question of what is taught, and why. This dialogue between Edwin Delattre and Thomas Donovan explores how humans go about reasoning and solving problems according to their collective, reflective intelligence. (Author/MJ)

Reading instruction should include training in detecting illogical and emotional appeals intended to influence and deceive the reader.

Defines personae as the imaginary and fictive being implied by and embedded in a literary or dramatic work and contends that personae are discoverable in every scientific discourse. (MH)

We live in a linguistically-deprived environment, in which the ability to distinguish reality from illusion is vital to survival.

Examines how television viewing has affected students' abilities to conduct rational arguments and suggests that students should be encouraged to provide ethical proof in their writing. (DD)

This article presents an analysis of six major issues involved in ASBO's resolution opposing mandatory Social Security: fiscal implications for taxpayers; impact on the economy; mandatory coverage as a solution; patriotism as an issue; promises violated by Social Security; and the legal issues of mandatory coverage. (Author/MLF)

Describes a class geared to increasing students' awareness of the widespread use of propaganda, with the aim of making them more independent citizens, parents, and consumers. Uses examples of benign and constructive persuasion and of propaganda with more pernicious effects. (MB)

Discusses the movement toward androgyny based upon and fostered by an increasing societal emphasis upon "femininity" in its maternal (as opposed to its heterosexual) aspects. Argues that the masculine paradigm promotes differentiation between the sexes, especially the sex objectification of women. (Author/RK)