Considers some ways that past research equips educators to tackle research challenges they are now facing. Suggests two challenges for consideration, convergence and commonality. Notes that convergence and commonality challenge educators to let go of the search for disciplinary identity, to stop seeking uniformity in methods, and to use diversity…

Investigates Aristotle's metaphorical definitions of rhetoric in book 1 of his "Rhetoric," using his own theory of metaphor as a measure of his practice in these definitions. Indicates that Aristotle's practice in the situation does not match his theory, a circumstance that has consequences for one's reading of the "Rhetoric."…

Explores why researchers have been drawn to genre-based research. Notes that this approach to studying professional communication offers a way of understanding the role of texts in the social ordering of communication in organizations by drawing attention to patterns of repetition and variation in the habits of workplace professionals. (SC)

Identifies patterns of argument that characterize majority and minority communication in 34 discussions among small groups of students in decision-making situations. Finds that winning and losing subgroups argue differently (as do minority and majority subgroups overall) and that consistency in argument is a strong predictor of subgroup success.…

Explores politeness theory by investigating the influence of nonverbal behaviors on facework in criticism of a friend. Finds that cues, such as vocal tone and facial expressions, influence participants' perceptions of politeness. Suggests that facework scholars should also consider how something is said as a salient for interpretation of what is…

Assesses whether and how qualitative methods are being taught in communication curricula. Finds general agreement about the units, specific topics, and activities that should be covered. Suggests that instruction at the graduate level is healthy, but it receives less attention at the undergraduate level than either quantitative methods or…

Considers that participants in previous deception detection experiments may not have had access to the types of information people most often use to detect real-life lies. Suggests that people most often rely on information from third parties and physical evidence when detecting lies, and that the detection of a lie is a process that takes days,…

Finds that: undergraduate students used a greater number of strategies when confronting a positively predisposed target who refused to comply; beyond an initial opening gambit, negative sanctions were employed more extensively against positively predisposed targets; and, overall, a pattern of compliance-gaining behaviors involving a gradual shift…

Explores, using the framework of Negotiated Order Theory, critical interactions between faculty and students when students are experiencing difficulties in managing school and family/work responsibilities. Demonstrates that childcare concerns most often trigger students to initiate negotiations with faculty members. Discusses limitations and…

Defines "spiraling" as a reappearance later in discussion of proposals that had received positive evaluation when first discussed. Evaluates the generality of spiraling in a set of 87 group discussions among undergraduate students. Shows large variability among groups. Notes many groups spiraled little or not at all and a few groups…

Devises a valid and reliable instrument to measure the organization-public relationship. Finalizes a valid and reliable four-dimension scale with 16 items for measuring the organization-public relationship. Demonstrates the scale is valid for other kinds of samples. (RS)

Argues existing theory and research on computer-mediated communication (CMC) provide a limited view of information-seeking behavior. Proposes a conceptual model for its examination via CMC and new media. Discusses strategies for seeking social information, and identifies factors influencing their selection from alternatives. Describes two…

Uses dual-process theories and research concerned with automaticity and the role conceptual short-term memory plays in visual information processing to illustrate both the ubiquity of nonstrategic information acquisition during interpersonal communication and its potential consequences on judgments and behavior. Discusses theoretical and…

Proposes an alternative formulation--meaning engagement practice--to question assumptions underpinning investigation of information-seeking behavior. Grounds the case for meaning engagement practice in four research contexts: modeling the user in information mediation; information access and browsing as relevant for understanding…

Examines Latina/o expressions and ethnic identities in reader letters to "Low Rider Magazine." Argues that articulations of Latina/o identity are complexly expressed as a means of establishing viable subject positions for these subaltern subjects. Concludes that communication scholarship should be cautious and careful in its explorations…