Four large organizations, two each from the private and public sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, were selected for this study which, first, explored the effects of religion-based workforce difference on intergroup relationships, second, investigated the contribution of organizational sector to communicative differences, and third, gauged…

This experimental study assessed the effectiveness of fundraising messages. Based on recent findings regarding the effects of message framing and evidence, effective fundraising messages should combine abstract, statistical information with a negative message frame and anecdotal evidence with a positive message frame. In addition, building on…

Two experiments examined the restriction of referential domains during unscripted conversation by analyzing the modification and online interpretation of referring expressions. Experiment 1 demonstrated that from the earliest moments of processing, addressees interpreted referring expressions with respect to referential domains constrained by the…

Although much interest has been generated regarding the functions speaking centers serve and the effects consultations can have, minimal research has addressed the dynamics of consultations themselves. This study documents what speaking center clients and consultants identify as barriers in consultations and how they address them. Analysis of…

Refines the concepts of powerful and powerless speech styles by investigating evaluative reactions to hedges and hesitations in a simulated courtroom context. Indicates that a low level of hedges and hesitations produced the most positive evaluations of authoritativeness and attractiveness. Reveals that these variables affected perceptions of…

Considers the question: "Can communication research produce knowledge through which we can learn to understand and to change reality?" Concludes that communication research is served better with more "art" than with more "science." (PD)

Argues that studies focusing on the functions of movements would increase understanding of social movements. (PD)

Responds to the three previous articles on conversation in interviews: CS 705 967-CS 705 969. (PD)

Examines, relying on uncertainty reduction theory, the effect of communication strategies on assessments of relational repair and intimacy. Finds that 100 heterosexual romantically involved couples nominated unfaithfulness, third-party competition, and geographic distance as most negatively affecting their relationships. Finds that perceptions of…

Investigates possible structural interference of background television with the working memory subsystem. Finds that when participants were instructed in specific memory techniques to use in the visuo-spatial working memory task, background television had a significant negative effect on performance; although when participants chose their own…

Suggests that a systematic triadic theory could prove relevant to contemporary understandings of communication. Reviews historical foundations of triadic theory, identifying semiotic, sociological, and interactionist conceptions of the triad. Outlines a transactional-participatory understanding of the triad, based on a mutual-personal model of…

Outlines and analyzes the Targowski/Bowman model of communication. Suggests adaptations for the model, noting that these changes increase the model's explanatory power and its capacity to predict the communicative outcome of a message given in a business situation. (MM)

Responds to a critique of an article by the authors appearing in a previous issue of this journal (v38 n3). Argues against communication as symbolic representation. Emphasizes their original intent to redefine communication as the production of culture, in the form of a historico-critical inquiry into the institutionalization of communication…

Discusses Aristotle's five means of making judgments: intelligence, "episteme" (scientific knowledge), "sophia" (theoretical wisdom), "techne" (art), and "phronesis" (practical wisdom). Sets Aristotle's theory of rhetorical argument within the context of his overall view of human judgment. Notes that…

Addresses the role of feminist scholars in the field of communication. Suggests the need to (1) monitor the status of feminist scholars in the field; (2) intervene in the field's discourses; (3) collaborate with other feminists; and (4) envision the kind of transformations needed and wanted. (SR)