Explores whether telephone callers converge to structural and relational message aspects found in recorded answering machine messages. Finds that callers exhibited greater convergence to relational than to structural aspects, and that both female and male callers converged with levels of immediacy in answering machine messages. Outlines…

Provides some direction for critical communication research into the next decade or two. Concentrates, as a critic of popular culture, on the interpretation of cultural texts. (SR)

Considers, in a special issue on the topic, criteria for the admissibility of evidence and how methodology affects what is considered to be evidence. Argues that accessibility and accountability are more important than admissibility and that researchers should implicate their subjectivities in their research practices as well as explicate the…

Extends the growing literature in the field of environmental communication that focuses upon citizen involvement in environmental decision-making. Suggests that there are substantive challenges that constrain citizens from having effects. Notes the importance of research that explores the nature of subsequent negotiations between citizens and…

Reviews the existing literature on African American communication and evaluates its productivity at increasing interethnic communication. Discusses several limitations of existing literature as they contribute to the emergence of a "universal iconography" of African American communication. Concludes by presenting challenges for future…

Explores the factors affecting the outcomes experienced by distressed persons (undergraduate students) when their comfort providers use humor during comforting interactions. Explains that results indicate the skillfulness of the comforting behavior, specific qualities of humor used, and the relationship between interactants predicted behavior.…