Examines the validity of scales designed to tap certain trait variables that influence the process of information gathering. Argues that these constructs and their associated scales have been accepted prematurely and that such acceptance has potentially important ramifications for uncertainty theory in particular, and for communication theory in…

Investigates whether audio/video redundancy improves memory for television messages. Suggests a theoretical framework for classifying previous work and reinterpreting the results. Suggests general support for the notion that redundancy levels affect the capacity requirements of the message, which impact differentially on audio or visual…

Argues that anticipating communication has cognitive tuning effects such that individuals think descriptively and entertain a greater variety of thoughts when they anticipate receiving information, but think valuatively and avoid information searches when they perceive they will primarily convey rather than receive information in a forthcoming…

Examines factors related to efficiency in a textbook search task. Finds that time and accuracy involved distinct processes and that accuracy was related to verbal competence. Finds further that measures of planning and extracting information accounted for 59% of the variance in search efficiency. Suggests that both accuracy and rate need to be…

Discusses the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), which was adopted as an international standard for data description, data modeling, and interchange in October 1986, and explores its evolution from its technical completion to its adoption by the international market. (four references) (LAE)

Describes the logical construction of several Russian hypertext systems, and discusses the navigational algorithms used, nodes selected, and coherence demanded. Several illustrative graphs are included, and an overview of the development of linking structures producing logical-semantic models is given. (20 references) (EA)

Addresses some of the fundamental assumptions of an information processing approach to mass media effects and the contributions it brings to mass communication. Traces the conceptual and methodological innovations of an information processing perspective as they have been applied to the study of television since the 1980s. (SR)

Detailed analyses are made of the concepts of window (seemingly deep spatial renderings) and frame (flatter, more technique-conscious structures) as they apply to a wide variety of visual media and communicative purposes. Special cases of each of these are detailed, along with their applications in cinema history to a range of realist, formalist,…

Uses Kintsch's proposition-based construction-integration theory of discourse comprehension to detail the user coding operations that occur in each of the three subsystems (Perception, Comprehension, Application) in which users process an information retrieval systems (IRS) message. Describes an IRS device made up of two separate parts that enable…

Presents an approach for dynamic database integration and query processing in the absence of information about attribute correspondences and global IDs. Defines different types of equivalence conditions for the construction of global IDs. Proposes a strategy based on ranked role-sets that makes use of an automated semantic integration procedure…

Argues that accounting for introspection within a theory of consciousness can be achieved through constructing information- processing models that account for "Type-C" processes in which awareness of the stimulus is necessary for an intentional action. Suggests that the Shallice (1988) framework provides an initial account of Type-C…

Presents compact disc (CD) technology as the method of choice for data collection and knowledge distribution. Discusses four phases of the CD network storage application (processing, imaging, recording, verifying), expanding applications in imaging, archiving, Internet/intranet, CD production, and network backup and storage. (PEN)

Examines reasons that prompted the current shift from information to knowledge processing, encompassing both social contextualization and the recent technological advance. Discusses knowledge production, viewed as a five-step process. The highly interdisciplinary perspective and the primacy of the user are distinguished as necessary prerequisites…

Argues that the information-processing paradigm can both revitalize so-called strong-effects theories in mass media research and make them more inclusive. Discusses how the four previous studies in this issue show the use of simple solutions to problems that have plagued mass-media-effects research and call out for further inclusion of discussions…

Churn management is a concern for businesses, particularly in the digital economy. A customer relationship framework is proposed to help deal with churn issues. The model integrates the electronic channel and involves four tools for enhancing data collection, data treatment, data analysis and data integration in the decision-making process.…