Discussion of computer input devices focuses on the keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen. Related research is reviewed concerning user preference and performance; advantages and disadvantages of each device are described; guidelines for selection are discussed; and suggestions for future research are offered. (19 references) (LRW)

Defines dimensions of vocational thoughtfulness: transfer of learning, situated learning, and learning from experts who shape culture. Outlines potential areas of inquiry--empirical, interpretive, and critical. (SK)

Considers possible dysfunctions of supportive communication in the workplace and proposes a research agenda to investigate these dysfunctions at the micro and macro levels of analysis. (RS)

Argues that both the increased theoretical productivity in the field of communication as well as the increased confusion about theory are best explained by the influence of a third variable: a general transformation of the human sciences characterized by blurred genres. (SR)

Considers how the troubles affecting the field of communication are linked to the decline of modernism. Argues that the future of the field lies in exploring both microscopic and macroscopic social changes in a postmodern world. Proposes an agenda for this research. (SR)

Identifies five overarching values central to disciplinary disputes in communication, and how their relative importance changes depending on prevailing social, economic, and intellectual conditions. Explores discipline-level values in the 1980s, and how value structures are likely to shift in the 1990s. Proposes a value hierarchy for the future.…

Argues that, because of its heavy technological emphasis, telecommunications will tend toward instrumental, applied forms of research. Notes alternative research traditions that see telecommunications as part of the social history of communications technology. Discusses implications for the contemporary study of telecommunications. (SR)

Discusses five key assumptions of critical scholarship on development communication: development communication must liberate; women's perspective as a basis for development communication; context defines women's perspective; context is understood in dialogue; and dialog must engage many levels and types of power. (SR)

Introduces this special issue on the role of affect in persuading and informing. Discusses conceptualizing affect, affect and message processing, affect and message production, and operationalizing affect. (SR)

Describes the use of the Electronic ClassRoom, a teleconferencing tool, for the academic advisement of graduate distance education students at Nova University (Florida). Topics addressed include distance learning students' problems and the need for advisement; scheduling; the use of Tymnet; academic advisement delivery models; and future research…

Analysis of 50 empirical classroom-oriented investigations of second-language learning concludes that there is a need for more contextualized research; extended theoretical bases of research; an extended range of research tools, techniques, and methods; reevaluation of the distinctions between process- and product-oriented research; and more…

Describes a study of 136 non-U.S. mathematics journals that was conducted to determine the proportion of articles that were published in English. The literature of language analysis is reviewed, changes in the frequency of use of other languages are discussed, and additional research questions are suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

The learning environment includes physical space, psychological and emotional climate, and sociocultural context. Steps for improving learning environments include helping learners feel at ease and gain control, controlling physical space, using microcomputers, taking proactive steps against racism and sexism, and making a personal commitment to…

Argues that for public relations to achieve professional status it should (1) be a communication discipline; (2) avoid artificial distinctions between information and persuasion; (3) encompass a wide array of auxiliary disciplines; (4) advance core research and theory by isolating and empirically testing a limited number of functions; and (5)…

Develops a two-step framework (resistance to privileged discourse followed by harmonic discourse) for understanding multicultural communication in organizations based on the assumption of cultural difference. Suggests four directions for future research to create the data base that would allow development of a model of multicultural communication…