Demonstrates how rhetorical criticism can be utilized to clarify the rhetorical nature of interpersonal discourse. Synthesizes the following theories to explain the nature and form of selected portions of taped and transcribed interpersonal dialog: Lloyd Bitzer's situational theory, Ernest Bormann's fantasy theme analysis, and Carroll Arnold's…

Examines the phenomenon of regressive moves (retro-interpretation) in the light of a hypothesis according to which the formation of complex and hierarchically organized conversation units is subordinated to the linearity of discourse. Analyzes a transactional exchange, describing the interplay of integration, anticipation, and retro-interpretation…

Three questions are addressed: (1) Are infants as young as six months capable of interacting with a peer? (2) What type of social acts are used during these early encounters? and (3) Do toys facilitate the interactions? (Author/MP)

This experiential learning activity highlights the perceptual processes that transpire between two interactants. Participants attempt to match other participants with their prime concern when interacting with someone socially for the first time. Illustrative data from a sample game are presented and discussed. (Author)

Encounters, defined as contacts between a social worker and client that have not been regularly scheduled, represent an alternative to the classic casework method. Presents a consumer-oriented strategy based on clinical experience in a public community mental health center in a large urban area. (Author)

Investigates whether a variation in task content (focusing on instrumental/external family issues v emotional expressive/internal issues) influences family interaction when task structure is held constant. The responses of 64 well-adjusted family triads were scored for differences in conflict, dominance, and affect. (Author/SS)

The Levels of Verbal Intimacy Technique (LOVIT) is an instrument for the analysis of verbal statements along a continuum from most intimate to least intimate. It enables an observer to place all verbal statements in one of 10 categories along this intimacy continuum. The technique has been used in research. (Author)

Presents a study of 24 deviant and nondeviant boys between the ages of 6 and 11 years. (CM)

The results of this study indicate that analysis of teachers' verbal behavior according to specific purposes reveals differences that are masked when the purpose is disregarded. (JD)

Defines the transmission of gossip as an essential social process reflecting a shared group membership and discusses the ways in which gossip supports ideologies held by members of a specific occupation. (MH)

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

Four basic determinants of parental authority are suggested. Hypotheses are tested using questionnaire data from 3,641 sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade students. Acceptance of parental authority is associated most strongly with offspring's perceptions of parental expertise and benefits received from parents. (Author)

This study assumes that companionship among married couples varies according to the social status of the wife. It is predicted that a couple's mutual participation increases as socioeconomic status and urban background increase, but that it decreases with age and length of marriage. (Author)