Sixty college students were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions in a study of the effects of inadmissible evidence on a jury's verdict. The first group was exposed to the inadmissible evidence and a ruling that it was inadmissible; the second group, to the inadmissible testimony without objection; the third group, to the…

Studies the effects of evidence in persuasive communication and suggests that the nature of the communication topic may be significantly related to evidence effectiveness and the attitude change process. (MH)

Describes a study using the accentuation theory to predict differential effects of heckling on speaker credibility and attitude change, depending on whether the audience identifies with the heckler or the speaker. (JMF)

The dramaturgical dimensions of the "theater of fact" as found in two anti-war plays, "Discourse on Viet Nam" by Peter Weiss and "Xa: A Vietnam Primer" by the ProVisional Theatre are examined. In these plays the author finds that Vietnamese history becomes rhetorical testament in arguments against United States…

Information about television viewing was taken from residents of a black community. The findings show that black viewers believe male reporters more than female reporters. When the sex of the newscaster is not considered, there is greater believability of black newscasters over white ones. (VM)

Examines audience reactions to informative public speakers' use of self-disparaging humor. Concludes that speakers using such humor may be perceived as more humorous, but also run the risk of reducing their perceived competence, having the audience associate with them less, and producing speeches that are rated as less interesting. (MM)

Investigated credibility of sources of information about alcohol among high school students (N=76). Students rated their own experience with alcohol and the information provided by a recovered alcoholic as most credible and rated the information provided by a friend who drinks as least credible. (Author/ABL)

With increased media scrutiny has come the need for better public relations in higher education. Some rules and practices for crisis communications are presented, including: make sure the staff speaks one language, review what can and cannot be said, help reporters out, treat reporters fairly, be accessible, etc. (MLW)

Discusses issues complicating the message of alcohol education, including the ambivalent nature of alcohol itself, personal uncertainty about the effects of alcohol, and moral issues. Suggests that the schools may be too involved in alcohol education and risk losing credibility with students. (JAC)

Anglo-American and Mexican-American women, assigned to pregnancy counselor descriptions based on ethnicity and choice philosophy, rated counselor's credibility and attractiveness. Ethnically similar counselors were not viewed as more credible or more attractive. Individual choice philosophy was not dependent on ethnicity. Mexican-American women…

Rather than avoiding crisis, the author presents documentation supporting crisis management as an organizational tool. Crisis has the potential of focusing organizational energy in new directions and can be an important path to institutional growth. (MD)

GAO investigations revealed the relative ease with which a diploma mill can be created and bogus degrees obtained. Records obtained obtained from schools and agencies likely understate the extent to which the federal government has paid for degrees from diploma mills and other unaccredited schools. Many agencies have difficulty in providing…