Discusses the screening and evaluation procedure at Central Michigan University that allows students to meet their communication competency requirement without taking a course. Examines the credit by exam option, the "Oral English Test-Out" procedure, and the implications of testing-out. (KEH)

Research findings on articulatory and acoustic characteristics of infant noncry/nondistress vocalization are applied to the clinical assessment of infant noncry vocal activity. Discussed are differentiation and definitions of cry and noncry productions, stages of vocalization, a protocol for developmental vocal assessment, and interpretation of…

Calls into question the assumption that family members share a common view of communication norms which underlies the widely used Family Communication Patterns (FCP) instrument. Presents empirical evidence of systematic intrafamilial disagreement on communication norms. (SR)

Presents a "Cognitive Rules" model which specifies assumptions about the structures and processes underlying goal formation. Reports on experimental testing of the model's assumptions. Finds that a priming manipulation influences interaction goals in attributionally ambiguous but not in attributionally clear compliance-gaining…

Discusses the realities in the present and future recruiting of minority faculty members. Argues that the securing of an appropriate representation of minority faculty, although a current resolve of most institutions, will be an extended process that faces numerous obstacles and will not easily be achieved. (KEH)

Tests the hypothesis that listener-adapted communication (LAC) is positively related to extroversion and that this relationship is independent of differentiation. Finds that the hypothesis was supported and that differentiation did not have the strong effect on LAC reported in past research. (SR)

Listeners judged whether they heard a terminal fall, rise, or a flat final intonation contour in 9 sentences produced by 8 deaf children, aged 8-18. The more slowly the contour fell, the more likely listeners were to perceive the contour as flat, regardless of the amount by which it fell. (Author/JDD)

Traces developments in conversational analysis (CA) through the 1970s and 1980s, and discusses how second-language acquisition research has used CA in both its own development and that of second-language teaching. (119 references) (GLR)

Focuses on the issue of deciding whether or not to place theatre specialists on tenure track, non-tenure track, guest artist, or staff lines. Lists factors which require analysis, such as type of institution, departmental mission, departmental size, and requirements for promotion and tenure. (MS)

Explores some of the arguments that are popularly lodged against the use of counterplans in modern academic debate. Suggests that most of this criticism is not persuasive due to fundamental problems with the implicit views of the debate process and the role of the judge in that process. (MS)

Investigates a strategy for giving an opinion by first soliciting another party's opinion and then producing one's own report in a way that takes the other's into account. Concludes that the strategy of using a perspective-display sequence is pertinent to situations where cautiousness in giving reports and opinions seems warranted. (MS)

Examines the conversational organization of shared laughter. Finds that in 70 percent of two-party cases the current speaker initiates shared laughter, but that in more than 70 percent of multi-party cases examined, someone other than the current speaker initiates shared laughter. (MS)

Examines the institution of health from the communication perspective. Discusses the new emphasis on preventing illness through individuals'"proper" behavior. Advocates a communication-based approach to values in health care: a person-centered value base including both reason and emotion, contrary to the principle-based, rational mode of…

Explores rhetorical strategies that construct institutional authority by analyzing discourse from a Senate subcommittee hearing. Argues that, although domination is basic to human organization, all structures are vulnerable to strategic alteration through effective participation. (MS)

Lists commonly held but inaccurate "myths" about teachers and education in the eastern and western United States. Gives a perspective on tools that communication has to offer teachers; concepts and contexts that can be researched and developed; and a cooperative responsibility that can be initiated with colleagues in education. (SR)