Several writers have criticized the traditional structure of the forensics programs--on college and high school levels--as perpetuating a "reality gap" between contest debate and actual public communication. There are methods, however, whereby high school directors can help to bridge this gap and can present a more interesting and enriching…

This book explores the theory and technique of faking it in America, referred to as the B.S. Factor. Chapter 1 discusses the Factor as a substitute for lies, causing a subtle skewing of sense, a distortion of logic, without ever becoming an actual lie. Chapter 2 breaks the B.S. Factor into styles or systems of thought and language such as…

Persuasive messages about a complex political issue were constructed in various ways of manipulation of three message variables: Source Label (Republic/Neutral), Amount of Use of Slogan (No Slogan Repeat/Slogan Repeat), and Format (Question-Answer/Straignt Descriptive). These produced eight message versions. The purpose was to determine if changes…

This study investigated the relative effectiveness of a political speech of refutation using humor and one which did not use humor. Three speeches were tape-recorded and played before 328 college freshmen students: the first was a speech of advocacy, the second was a speech of refutation, and the third was the same as the second, but humor was…

The purpose of this study was to provide increased understanding of the process and testing of the comprehension of certain kinds of expository and argumentative prose. A criterion-related reading test was constructed using as a criterion the Finder-Cochrane Task Analysis for Comprehending Exposition and Argument. A panel of three experts ruled on…

Taking the stance that there is no "formula" approach to the teaching of business writing and that the student must begin his practice of business correspondence immediately upon his undertaking the study, this book is a guide for good business communication. Topics covered include writing request letters, memos, acknowledgements, and letters of…

Contemporary rhetoricians are concerned with the re-examination of classical doctrines in the hope of finding solutions to current problems. In this study, the author presents a methodological perspective consistent with current interests, by re-examining the assumptions that underlie each classical precept. He outlines an inventional system based…

This exploratory study involving 108 undergraduates investigated effects of equivocation, order of agreeable and disagreeable issues, source credibility, and time on the receiver's agreement with and recall of messages. Results indicated that both equivocated messages and high-credibility sources produced significantly more agreement. Recall was…

In order to test the effects of high camera angle on credibility, high- and low-camera-angle versions of a televised speaker were recorded on videotape. Semantic differential ratings of the speaker were obtained from 176 college students randomly assigned to high- or low-camera-angle treatment groups. Factors identified as dynamism, competence,…

This investigation looked at the relationship between questionnaire-assessed attitude toward abortion, and later behaviors when subjects were requested to make a tape-recording of an emphatically pro- or anti-abortion script. A correlational study allowed the subject to select the script. In the experimental study, a script was assigned randomly.…

Presents a critical appraisal of the American Federation of Teachers manual for the installation of day care in the public schools. Maintains that the difficulties of retraining elementary teachers for preschool programs, a crucial part of the AFT's proposals, are much greater than the AFT envisions. Also considers the variety of services…

Because of the focus on accountability in education a consideration of evaluating in-service programs more systematically is imperative. Discusses five reasons for doing so, the purpose of evaluating educational programs, and how evaluation is a problem. (RK)

Clarifies the concept "pluralism" with the use of a typology and points out that the most common conceptualization of pluralism throughout the country has inherent contradictions. Argues that it takes more than individuals and families to insure cultural diversity and that bilingual education is one way of assuring the survival of…

Questions whether related arts and similar programs are warranted by research, are responsive to the distinctive nature of each of the arts, and are possible to implement on a broad scale, even with "ideal" teacher education programs. (Editor)