The author discusses persuasive communication and explores why some speakers are seen as credible sources of information while others are not. She covers several factors related to perceived credibility, including (1) sex, (2) size, (3) age, and (4) social status of the source. Methods of establishing credibility are discussed. (CH)

Discusses two distinct views on what a quote is: the exact words of a speaker, or a journalist's rewritten or fabricated version of the speaker's words. Argues that paraphrasing allows writers to taint the evidence and causes the loss of the speaker's voice and the loss of credibility and independent corroboration. (SR)

Defining medicine's golden age as freedom from adverse comment in mass and highbrow media, discusses: (1) the evolution of the medical image; (2) factors responsible for ending the golden age; (3) criticisms related to physicians' sacerdotal, technical, and social roles; and (4) the erosion of physicians' professional status. (SK)

Examines the practice of four Quiche folk healers and their use of attributions and cultural beliefs in diagnosis and treatment; and use of rituals, symbols, and verbal suggestions in enhancing credibility. The relationships between culturally congruent diagnosis-treatment, healer's credibility, and client's expectations of cure are also…

Within the large body of literature on attitude change, many diverse and sometimes apparently conflicting findings have been reported. A catastrophe theory model of attitude change that attempts to synthesize many of these diverse findings is proposed. Attitude change is usually monotonic with message content or the strength of the persuasion…

This report is one of five submitted as products of a "Study Designed to Assist Planning of Research on Significant Instructional Features in Bilingual Education Programs." The reports are intended to assist the National Institute of Education in its plans for a major new research study in bilingual education. The present report…

Discusses the approach of creationist groups to the distortion of science and the selective presentation of often-apocryphal evidence. Argues that the strategy is persuasive to those poorly educated in science, that people like to be persuaded that their views are right, and that they are intelligent people capable of figuring out science for…

This is the first of a four-part study, funded by the National Institute of Education for the purpose of examining the function of informal social networks in school community relations in Pontiac, Michigan, from 1971 to 1981. This volume of the report (1) discusses the theoretical foundations of the study; (2) defends the validity of network…

This summary, the last of a four-part study of social networks in Pontiac, Michigan, presents highlights from the three previous volumes and advocates the use of network research for understanding the dissemination process in educational innovation. Based on the conclusion that social networks provide a metaphor for understanding complex social…

Wilford S. Bailey of Auburn University is heading the National Collegiate Athletic Association as it struggles to cope with several controversial issues: testing athletes for drug abuse, new academic standards for freshman athletes, the role of college presidents in governing sports, and the integrity of college athletics. (MLW)

Murstein's Stimulus-Value-Role theory of dyadic relationships, in which attraction depends on the exchange value of the assets and liabilities each person brings to the situation, is employed as a foundation for this review of the literature on interpersonal attraction in the counseling relationship. A three-stage model, accounting for both…

Describes characteristics and activities of university-based education policy centers. Summarizes the circumstances surrounding the establishment of these centers, and focuses on the missions and activities of existing centers. Discusses the rationale for a national network of centers, and surveys issues to be addressed. Lists 18 university-based…

This paper uses a comparative approach to investigate the ethical policies and practices of Australian and American universities. In Australia, 26 institutional surveys were returned in which institution heads responded to questions about the professional ethics of faculty, the ethics of student assessment, research ethics, and the ethical element…

The increasing use of microcomputers and hand-held calculators has implications for mathematics and science instruction, achievement testing, and educational research. The potential effects of these technologies on curricula involve both content and delivery. In mathematics instruction, the focus may shift from manipulative to higher order skills.…