Investigates the amount and type of information sought during impression formation and concludes that information seeking is integral to uncertainty reduction in interpersonal interaction. (MH)

Presents and applies a self-validation model and topology of transactional relationships for use in the selection of concepts and skills in the study of interpersonal communication. (MH)

A comparison of the socioeconomic index of 77 speakers of Dutch, recorded in 40 places, revealed certain correlations between index and individual linguistic behavior, particularly in regard to the speed of articulation, quantity quotient (low vowels/short vowels), pitch modulation, number of relative clauses and passive construction. (Text is in…

The Peterson and Peterson short-term memory paradigm (1959) involves an interpolated task with several potential dimensions from which interference may originate: similarity of items and vocalization. This research assesses the relative interference potency of each on material presented either aurally or visually. (Editor/RK)

An instrument called "Focus" has been developed to classify communications people send and receive and help them give similar accounts of the same events. This article teaches five characteristics of communications, provides a rationale and suggests applications. Used in teacher training, it can describe teaching acts and communication accurately.…

Citing numerous examples, this article argues that Native American literature cannot be taught from a Western perspective. (JC)

Investigates business students' attitudes toward written versus oral communication methods for assignments and their attitudes toward e-mail messaging. Finds that they viewed oral communication less positively than either written or e-mail communication and that students with prior e-mail experience gave it and oral communication significantly…

Examines the qualifications and administrative responsibilities of department heads as listed in "Spectra," the Speech Communication Association's monthly newsletter. Finds that over 75% of the listings indicated the doctorate or other terminal degree as a requirement; over half wanted previous administrative experience; nearly 70%…

Assesses the construct and concurrent validity of the Reticence Scale, a 24-item self-report measure. Compares it to other established measures and to open-ended responses to a set of questions. Finds satisfactory support for its construct and concurrent validity. Finds high correlations between dimensions of the Reticence Scale and the open-ended…

Measures communication apprehension of 84 accounting seniors at an institution requiring significant communication skills training. Finds that the communication-skills component of the curriculum alone is not successful in alleviating communication apprehension in those students whose apprehension is above normal. Concludes that business educators…

Describes a news conference simulation involving students from business communication classes and presentational speaking classes, which is used to prepare business students to "think on their feet" while under stress and facing a potentially hostile audience--conditions that business professionals are apt to encounter. (SR)

Using data from three experimental studies on British English, this study addresses whether, in dialect contact, there is a difference in the degree of convergence at different phonological levels. Data suggest that, in a contact situation, surface differences will be eradicated at the expense of phonologically complex differences. (29 references)…

Examines the role of common ground between speakers in production of utterances. Outlines two models, and compares them by contrasting the use of common ground between speakers and listeners as evidenced by physical copresence. Results suggest speakers do not employ audience design in the initial planning of utterances, but do monitor initial…