A review of more than 100 articles and papers in interpersonal and small group communication (ISG) research done in 1977 and a survey of active researchers revealed that it was difficult to identify significant trends in content and methodology as well as to note specific advances and problems reflected in the research. However, six issues or themes emanating from 1977 ISG research are: researchers are increasingly concerned about the lack of adequate theoretical foundations for ISG research, many researchers are concerned about the tendency to exceed the conceptual boundaries of human communication, many researchers are disappointed by the quality of questions that are addressed, many ISG researchers remain concerned by the prevalence of the "law of the hammer" (the tendency of social scientists to inflict an available methodology on phenomena regardless of the appropriateness of that methodology), ISG researchers recognize the lack of adequate focus and clear conceptualization reflected in recent research, and ISG researchers appear eager for and in need of extended and thoughtful exchanges among themselves. (A bibliography of 1977 ISG articles and the questionnaire used in the survey are appended.) (TJ)