This paper argues for the inclusion of content analysis in communication research designs and for the utility of this methodology in the examination of communication events. The first half of the paper describes four types of communication content that can be analyzed: unintentional messages, such as the verbal imagery used; unconscious speech,…

This study focused on whether actual or stereotypic associations with a speaker's body type would affect his or her credibility. Effects on the source-credibility ratings submitted by a total of 165 students were investigated for three different sources' body types. A significant main effect was found for body type but not for the blocked…

This paper presents the results of an empirical study designed to test three hypotheses concerning the type of humor initiated by faculty in their interpersonal communication: (1) the organizational type of person is associated with the type of humor he initiates; (2) cosmopolitans tend to initiate abrasive humor more often than lubricant humor;…

Proposes and tests three mathematical models of communication and belief change: a proportional change model, a belief certainty model, and an accumulated information model. The central focus of the research is clarification of the cognitive communication mechanisms responsible for the belief changes produced by communication. (JMF)

Reports on the development and testing of a measure of interpersonal communication satisfaction. The 19-item, unidimensional inventory is shown to exhibit a high degree of reliability and validity when used to measure communication satisfaction with actual and recalled conversations with another perceived to be a friend, acquaintance, or stranger.…

Earlier research using college students, which suggested a link between the size of the community in which a person is raised and that person's level of communication apprehension, is replicated in this study with public school students, grades K-12. A theory based on the principle of reinforcement and on a postulate of forced adaptation is…

Examines the personality attributions made of a second speaker when (1) he reciprocated or failed to reciprocate the intimacy level of a disclosure made by an initial speaker and when (2) he matched or failed to match the initial speaker's level of language intensity. (Authors)

Examines the "Evagoras" from the perspective of contemporary narrative theory, inquiring into internal adjustments that the encomium underwent as epideitic rhetoric sought to play a role in state affairs. Claims uniqueness for the narrative structure of Isocrates's encomium: a combination of fictional narrative (quest for virtue) with…

Focusing on the communication field's institutional use of central terms and concepts, explores why the field has failed to define itself, its intellectual focus, and its goals. Considers the field's emergence in the context of the history of the social sciences to help illuminate its intellectual task. (JD)

Reveals that individuals personally cope with spoiled relationships and socially manage relationship dissolution principally through verbal accounts. Indicates that the structural and affective enmeshment of marital couples lend to their disengagement accounts a characteristic complexity not paralleled in the accounts of unmarried couples. (JD)

Indicates that (1) secretaries need to be skilled in producing as well as processing messages, and (2) writing skills, as well as training in speech communication, should be emphasized for clerical workers. (NKA)

Replicates previous findings of separate Machiavellian belief constructs (Deceit, Flatter, Immorality, and Cynicism). Indicates that different constructs predict selection of compliance-gaining strategies; for example, actors who scored high on Immorality used more referent influence on superiors. Discusses implications of this study concerning a…

Determined types of behavior occurring most often in campus interviews and to which types interviewers react negatively. Lack of confidence, failure to ask key questions, nervous mannerisms, talkativeness, and failure to elaborate on answers were the most common behaviors. Poor attitude and dishonesty were among traits viewed most negatively.(SKC)

Answers James Stiff's criticism of the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion. Corrects certain misperceptions of the ELM and criticizes Stiff's meta-analysis that compares ELM predictions with those derived from Kahneman's elastic capacity model. Argues that Stiff's presentation of the ELM and the conclusions he draws based on the data…

Research is reviewed on the interaction patterns of individuals using augmentative and alternative communication systems. Major findings and limitations of interaction studies are highlighted, focusing on methodological approaches, subjects, partners, contexts and sampling procedures, and measures and data analyses. Directions for future research…