Concludes that syntax as an isolated factor carries no special effects on the two factors comprising ethos--authoritativeness and character. (FL)

Presents the views of two experts on McLuhan's effect on communications theory and research. Levinson maintains that McLuhan performed the Socratic job of identifying the important issues in the communications field, while Gordon argues that McLuhan was a pseudointellectual known more for his guts than his talent. (MER)

Explores various arguments for and against therapist self-disclosure and relates these to theoretical school and therapist style and personality. The therapist's selective dynamic use of his own perceptions, experiences, and values in a genuine fashion contributes positively to the therapeutic outcomes. Case studies are used and literature is…

Examined the relationship between willingness to self-disclose in a group and trust. Participants with high trust levels were more willing to self-disclose than participants with low trust levels. (Author)

Discusses the self-disparaging ironist and the hypocrite as symbols of power in contemporary American politics. Contrasts the presidential images of Richard Nixon and John Kennedy who exemplify, respectively, hypocritical and ironical power-holders. (PD)

A number of statements about well-established information in veterinary anatomy are debated and refuted: (1) sesamoid bones change the direction of tendons, (2) tendons are composed of collagenous connective tissue, (3) anal glands are synonymous with anal sacs, (4) reciprocal apparatus is part of stay apparatus, etc. (Author/MLW)

Analyzes some of the most frequent deceptive interactions as rendered through case histories of male con artists and their victims taken from police records. Discusses the recurrent elements in both the con-games strategies and victims' way of interpreting those strategies. (JMF)

Studies deception in social psychological research by using group members rather than audience as data-generating subjects. Use of confederates, if chosen with care, does not appear to increase suspicion from group members. The more conspiciously deviant a confederate, the more he is suspected. (Author/BEF)

When compared to students with no training in psychology, students with training in psychology perceived psychologists to be significantly less truthful. (RL)

Attempts to resolve the paradox of authority through an expansion of the theory of speech acts by means of Habermas' theory of communicative competence. Cites the works of Robert Wolff and P.H. Nowell-Smith. (MH)

Presents a review and meta-analytic summary of existing studies of metaphor's persuasive effects. Indicates that metaphor appears to exert a small effect on perceptions of source dynamism, but shows no demonstrable impact on competence or character. Concludes that the superior organization explanation of metaphor's persuasive impact was most…

Compared credibility of highly trustworthy communicator with that of an expert by using nuns (N=36) who listened to the same persuasive message about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome presented as either a trustworthy source (priest), an expert (doctor), or a neutral source. Found trustworthy communicator was regarded as significantly more…

Examined relationships among supervisor expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness and counselor trainee performance. Subjects were 17 supervisors and 31 master's degree-level trainees. Results showed that practicum supervisors' expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness were related to supervision outcome measures. Trustworthiness had…

This third part in a series of six articles on human performance technology (HPT) highlights four characteristics that are needed for managers to successfully advance from practicing training to practicing HPT, including becoming competent with the technology, understanding the client's business, developing trust and credibility, and being…

Explains that the battle to protect a corporation's image is critical during a crisis. Examines Toshiba's decision to sell weapons technology to the Soviet Union. Relates how the concept of "apologia" was used for insight into Toshiba's handling of the crisis. Argues that public relations in an image crisis is a battle for…