Reports work on text from extended event of talking among professionals. Discusses problematic communication and implications of nonsuccess in social interaction. Believes failure in explanation or in resolving competing claims implies need for more adequate cognitive and cultural models of participants' knowledge and practices; theoretical…

Fifty volunteer undergraduate students majoring in speech pathology and audiology at the University of North Dakota tested the following hypotheses: (1) leaders exhibit significantly more nonverbal cues than do nonleaders in task-oriented and informal small groups; (2) members of task-oriented small groups exhibit significantly more nonverbal cues…

An example of how the quality of research on small groups could be enhanced is to develop a framework of scholarship around a series of hierarchical guiding questions concerning the functions of communication in the small group, the characteristics of the behavior and of the producers of that behavior that determine the extent to which particular…

Examines the relationship between patterns of communication (in groups) and group outcomes. Specifically, it attempts to reveal contrasts in the structure of communication between groups whose consensual outcomes are dissimilar. (Author/HMV)

Found that the discussions of "effective" and "ineffective" groups were distinguished by (1) how the groups examined opinions and assumptions advanced by group members; (2) how the groups evaluated alternative choices; (3) the nature of decisional premises; and (4) the nature of influence exerted by influential members of the group. (PD)

The second research report in a continuing investigation of group communication via computer networks describes a series of field tests designed to identify the basic parameters of human interaction in computer-based teleconferencing. The method used in the tests is described, and the research approach used in analyzing the tests is outlined. Ten…

Found that of five "task-achievement functions" examined, two serve as accurate predictors of group problem-solving effectiveness. Specifically, found that (1) a negative relationship exists between group effectiveness and attempts to "establish operating procedures"; and (2) a positive relationship exists between group…

This investigation assessed the importance of orientation behavior on group consensus and the individual satisfaction of participants. Students in four sections of an introductory speech course rated each classmate on a seven-point scale according to orientation behavior as manifested in the ability to resolve conflict, reinforce agreement,…

A study assessed the validity of applying the Spitzberg and Cupach dyadic model of communication competence to small group interaction. Twenty-four students, in five task-oriented work groups, completed questionnaires concerning self-competence, alter competence, interaction effectiveness, and other group members' interaction appropriateness. They…

This document reports on a conference focused on speech problems. The main objective of these discussions was to facilitate a deeper understanding of human communication through interaction of conference participants with colleagues in other disciplines. Topics discussed included speech production, feedback, speech perception, and development of…

Examines the various frames within which debates, discussions, and dialogs occurred at a major midwestern university, concerning the disbandment of one of its departments. Stresses the importance of building a unified vision in the context of the common good. Contains 34 references. (JDI)

This pamphlet is the second in a series of ten stemming from the view that language is central to learning, that teachers can gain insights into their work and into learning by examining the language of the classroom, and that current language theory can be the means to such insights. The pamphlet contains a description of a study designed to…

This study analyzed student contributions to an online interactive discussion forum. Participants included six graduate students enrolled in a graduate education course; the instructor also contributed to the online discussions. Students read articles, posted commentaries, and responded to each other on weekly discussion topics. Students also…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 18 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: some effects of nonstandard English in counseling; the status of speech instruction in Iowa high schools; communications analyses of a university and a public…