Examines the ways in which the argument from definition functions. Considers two novels published in 1912 that illustrate the argument from definition in descriptions of race during the Progressive Era. Asserts that all definitions should be regarded as contingent, and that the argument from definition poses specific ethical concerns that require…

Investigates the structure and composition of a naturalistic rumor chain that surfaced on a computer-mediated communication discussion group. Finds that rumormongering is a collective, problem-solving interaction that is sustained by a combination of anxiety, uncertainty, and credulity. (CR)

Examines the sexual etiquette developed in advice columns in magazines popular among teenage girls. Suggests that teen magazines limit females' sociality and sexuality within narrowly defined heterosexual norms and practices. Finds that young women are encouraged to subordinate self for others, to be sex objects and teachers of interpersonal…

Case narratives of 104 clients were scored and interpreted to determine the proportions of employment-rehabilitation target words in context that indicated without client involvement or with client involvement. Content analysis of 15,436 sentences indicated that percentages for rehabilitants and post-plan participants were higher then for…

Discusses computer-mediated communications for linking educators conducting research and educational activities and describes the development and evaluation of the DR-ED listserv for medical education. Evaluation includes a subscriber demographic profile, a content analysis of the messages posted, and a subscriber survey. (Author/LRW)

Contributes to scholarship on agenda setting and news reporting of international-trade issues. Uses content analysis to show that the auto elite set the agenda for the "New York Times" and the "Detroit News." Shows that the "Detroit News" was more likely than the "New York Times" to be more biased,…

Presents a content analysis of the electronic debate on Ebonics that spanned over 18 months, drawing scholars from all over the world, and culminating in over 70 postings on an electronic bulletin board. Demonstrates that in contesting the issues, using the national social debate on Ebonics, linguists seek to assert their power as a group by…

Presents an informal survey of 100 picture books, revealing the lack of complexity in the representation of grandparents in children's literature. Discusses how grandparents are often stereotyped in children's literature and argues for more realistic portrayals. (SR)

Describes a content analysis that was conducted of juvenile literature to analyze literary depictions of characters with attention deficit disorder and to discern the congruency of the literary depictions with the empirical and medical research currently available. Also includes an annotated bibliography of appropriate materials. (LRW)

Examines nonvoluntary relationships with disliked partners (NR/D). Hypothesizes that the subjects (undergraduate students) would try to attenuate this discomfort by increasing psychological distance between themselves and their disliked partners. Shows that people use distance to attenuate the discomfort created by an NR/D. Finds 36 distancing…

Notes a dearth of quality poetry for young readers. Looks at the work of three poets for young people who have turned to the urban experience for inspiration--Richard Margolis, Paul Janeczko, and Gary Soto. Suggests that the city is a "grand and colorful chorus of humanity with voices mingling sorrow and joy." (RS)

Analyzes E. Nesbit's late Victorian time travel novel for children "The House of Arden." Suggests that Nesbit's deflation of the past stems from her radical ideology, and that the comic relief in which each time travel episode culminates reflects her desire not to harrow her child audience. (RS)

Examines one aspect of elaboration in student writing as a product of the encounter between writers and readers. Studies a stratified random sample of student placement tests. Finds patterns that correlate significantly with readers' evaluations of texts. Concludes these patterns are two strategies for managing discursive conflict in this…

Analyzes 1200 news pamphlets published in England from 1513 to 1640. Describes factors (subject matter, sales methods, and newsgathering techniques) that news pamphlets may share with modern news formats, and examines their characteristic tone. Suggests that news pamphlets may help media historians examine what is universal about the news and what…

Uses the technique of collage to analyze and illustrate Francesca Lia Block's use of that technique within and across her books. (RS)