Persuasive mass communication is believed to be more likely to reinforce existing opinions than to change them. This study set out to test this hypothesis in the political area by doing the following: isolating attitudinal patterns in a sample of voters; determining if characteristics of the questionnaire statements were systematically related to…

This paper presents two research studies on the use of dogmatism as a predictor of verbal communication behavior. The studies examined the effects of dogmatism on the formulation of written and oral persuasive messages by comparing college students' scores on the Rokeach D and California F Scales with a content analysis of the written or oral…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain interviewer variables affected the amount of trust present in an interview situation. The design of the experiment was based on five groups: four experimental cells and one control cell. Each experimental cell was composed of six male and six female subjects. The control cell contained 26…

Describes a study to determine if nonrespondents to speech communication survey research differ demographically from respondents. Subjects were compared across six dimensions (sex, academic rank, experience, academic degree, teaching level, and principal teaching area) to establish whether or not differences existed between respondent and…

Reviews and analyzes previous major conceptualizations of communication satisfaction and offers a revised perspective and suggestions for future research. (MH)

Inferential questions were found to elicit longer responses than factual questions, reflecting complexity and the use of higher cognitive processes. (MKM)

Analyzes how the manufacturer dealt with the Tylenol poisonings: the link between Tylenol and the poisoning was denied, its image as a safe product was bolstered, capsules were differentiated from other products, and as a result, sales recovered. Extends the applicability of apologia as a way to analyze other media campaigns. (SKC)

Vocalizations of infants were classified and analyzed in a longitudinal sample of infants ranging in age from 2 to 14 weeks. Results suggest that infants performed different types of vocalizations that can be interpreted as affective states from 2 weeks of age on. Parents responded with a highly diversified pattern of reactions to different infant…

Compares the effectiveness of systematic desensitization (SD), rational emotive therapy (RET), and visualization (VIS) in reducing communication apprehension (CA). Concludes that, while all treatment modes reduce CA, no significant differences were found in their effectiveness. Emphasizes that VIS is a relatively simple technique that can be used…

Clarifies the nature of communication avoidance through a structural analysis grounded in facet theory. Presents evidence for a duplex model of avoidance in which theoretical distinctions among modalities of approach-avoidance and context proved empirically relevant. Discusses implications of these findings for the explication, treatment, and…

Discusses several features of the feminist critique of objectivity (part of the ongoing project of feminist theory and practice), as well as two possible responses to the questions it raises. Comments on some of the implications of the feminist critique of objectivity for communication research and proposes criteria for feminist communication…

Replies to the previous article's review of arguments against the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). Considers the effects-of-evidence-on-attitudes argument unconvincing and explains why. (NKA)

Addresses the major errors and misconceptions perpetuated by Stiff and Boster's response to criticism of Stiff's 1986 article. Focuses on the major conceptual and methodological issues of Stiff's model. (NKA)

Examines the choice-making processes of students engaged in the selection of speech introduction strategies. Finds that the frequency of students making decision-making errors was a positive function of public speaking apprehension. (MS)

Examines two analyses of communicative competence: J. C. McCroskey's knowledge-skills distinction; and B. H. Spitzberg's response to McCroskey's argument, tying competence to motivation, knowledge, and skills. Discusses two unresolved issues in both analyses--the behavioral repertoire mapping assumption, and the conscious monitoring assumption.…