Presents a set of experiments for contrasting Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories relevant to egocentric speech. Formalizes existing verbal theories of egocentric speech and tests two major theories of child communication patterns. (MH)

Examines the impact of nonverbal cues on participants' and observers' perceptions of relational messages in an experiment in which participants interacted with a confederate who systematically varied his or her communication style. Finds that nonverbal indicators of involvement and pleasantness were systematically related to relational message…

Suggests and tests a model of value argument which is intended to determine the degree of audience adherence to particular value claims. Discusses the process for advance selection of the most effective evidence to support value claims. (MH)

Examines the functional relationship of source and message by testing the hypothesis that the impact of a message is a function of the strength of the message multiplied by the strength of the source. (MH)

Discusses the probative potential of evidence in argument, and evaluates the importance of evidence in predicting belief change. Predicts adherence to argument claims and confirms the traditionally recognized importance of evidence to persuasion. (JMF)

Compares the effectiveness of cognitive modification, systematic desensitization and speech preparation in the reduction of speech and general anxiety. Results indicate that the cognitive modification program is highly effective in reducing both types of anxiety. (MH)

Investigates the potential control strategies a persuader may use and the impact of situational differences on a persuader's strategic choice. (MH)

Defines lexical diversity as manifest vocabulary range and lexical density as the ratio of lexical to gramatical items in a unit of discourse. Examines the effects of lexical diversity and density on listeners' evaluative judgments. (MH)

Discusses an experimental study designed to determine if androgyny would mediate attitude change with males and females. (MH)

An agenda-setting effect of the first Ford-Carter debate on college student viewers is demonstrated. Subjects who viewed the debate seem to have effected a synthesis between their personal priorities and the relative weight accorded issues in the debate. (JMF)

Arrives at the conclusion that the relationships between personality/communication apprehension and interaction behavior in small groups are heavily influenced by previous history of the group (zero-history versus intact). Cautions against generalizing results from studies involving zero-history groups. (MH)

Investigates the amount and type of information sought during impression formation and concludes that information seeking is integral to uncertainty reduction in interpersonal interaction. (MH)

Tests whether either of two antecedent variables, dogmatism and need for social approval, affect the relationship between message strategy and resistance to persuasion. (MH)

Investigates speech norms in the United States by determining the effects of three American regional dialects on the attitudes towards speakers held by audience members from the same three regions. Includes selected dialects represented by General American, Appalachian, and Bostonian dialects. (MH)