Examines, through meta-analytic review, the connection between communication apprehension and communication behavior. Indicates a consistent negative relationship between the level of communication apprehension and communication skills, using a total of 36 studies involving 3742 participants. Finds that as a person becomes more apprehensive both…

Analyzes empirical findings and conceptual problems to clarify how sex differences are related to communication. Finds that conceptual reasons for the muddled picture of sex differences in communication research include reliance on stereotypes, polarization of the sexes, lack of valid reasons, and dearth of theory. (SR)

Affirms the value of liberal arts in educating the mind. Examines the literature of oral interpretation and theatre arts from 1960-82, discussing themes, research problems and needs, trends and directions. Notes, among other conclusions, that the nature of classroom practices in oral interpretation and theatre arts needs study. (PD)

Examines Carol Gilligan's thesis that women use care orientation while men use justice orientation in structuring their ethical systems. Argues the usefulness of Gilligan's position as an interpretative framework for explaining conclusions drawn from selected experimental studies in psychology, sociology, and communication. (KEH)

Examines fourteen representative nonverbal behavior studies and identifies three significant conceptual problems. Proposes a new framework for nonverbal behavior theory development. (MH)

Reviews organizational communication studies since 1955: (1) explores problems with the use of language in these studies; (2) reviews specifically the literature on organizational hierarchies; (3) discusses promising areas of emerging research, and (4) recommends ways research can be productively conducted and reported. Includes an extensive…

Reviews the body of literature on typologies of strategies. Then investigates the effects of situation variables on the likelihood of use of four types of compliance-gaining strategies: justification, exchange, manipulation, and personal rejection. Concludes that both intimacy and relational consequences proved to be significant determinants of…

Reviews research which examines the relationship of loneliness with communication variables. Reports on a study which found that (1) communication apprehension was not significantly related to loneliness and (2) canonical correlation reveals a significant relationship between the communicative competence dimension, social experience, and the lack…

Reports conversational topics among same-sex adult friends, co-workers, siblings, parents and children. Confirms findings of previous researchers but also reveals insights concerning same-sex conversational interactions, especially the sex differences in talk about sports. Includes the self-report questionnaire and tables of reported frequency of…

Argues that conceptualizations of and empirical studies on compliance and compliance-gaining often reflect a social exchange or a power perspective, which typically push communication into the background of the compliance-gaining process. Provides examples of studies adopting a power perspective without undercutting the role of communication in…

Surveys and summarizes the research published in speech communication journals on (1) historical treatments of women (2) sex differences; (3) images of women in the media; (4) education and pedagogy; and (5) surveys and integrative works. (PD)

Reveals that reticence does not necessarily impede group process; however, reticent individuals are seen as less effective participants and they are less likely to emerge as group leaders. Reviews research on reticence in group interaction and provides suggestions to instructors of small group courses on how to help reticent students participate.…

A survey of speech communication departments and a review of the literature indicate that most speech communication researchers continue to use college students as their primary source of subjects. The problem of sampling is discussed and methods for dealing with generality are offered. (PD)

Reviews research on female and male interaction patterns. Examines classroom interaction in higher education and pedagogical alternatives developed in women's studies programs. Argues that the norm of classroom interaction is more closely aligned with typical male patterns of interaction. (PD)

Reviews literature on (1) nature of interviewing situation; (2) reliability of employment interviewing process; (3) characteristics associated with favorable employment decisions; and (4) potential for future research. Also suggests, in conclusion, that employee turnover is related to unfulfilled expectations employees suffer as a result of poor…