This study tested whether children like commercials they believe or believe commercials they like. Results indicated a moderate correlation between the perceived attractiveness and the credibility of the commercials. (CH)

The results of this communicator credibility and opinion change experiment suggest that demand characteristics and persuasion are confounded in laboratory opinion experiments; however, the results of manipulations like communicator credibility may be entirely due to the demand characteristics of the situation. (DB)

Social scientists who communicate scientific information via the media face challenges because they do not realize that journalists have values different from theirs. Discusses motivations that impel scientists to go public, the conflicting roles into which they, therefore, are cast, and the reasons why journalists regard scientists with…

Investigated the effects of positive and negative counselor disclosure using typescripts of hypothetical counseling interviews. Results indicated impact of condition was mixed, with each having some desirable effects. (PAS)

This paper analyzes credibility and sensitivity in conjunction with cooperative education program development. The author also discusses several phases of program development (student orientation and employer contact) and how they tie in with credibility and sensitivity. (CT)

A survey of residents of New York's Harlem area reveals that the respondents relied equally on television and newspapers for their general news, but considered the "Amsterdam News" more credible on news of Blacks. (FL)

Briefly reviews research that has found Blacks to be distrustful of Whites and describes the development of a psychometric instrument that measures four domains of cultural mistrust: education, interpersonal relations, business and work, and politics and law. The Cultural Mistrust Inventory is appended. (GC)

Considers the consequences of taking political blunders seriously as central objects of electoral discourse. Explores gaffes as possible degradation rituals and as contributions to the definition of the electoral process and to the information needs of voters who must make decisions within that process. (PD)

High-facilitative counselors were perceived more positively than were low-facilitative counselors. The data suggest a relationship between Strong's and Carkhuff's models for counseling. The capacity of the Counselor Rating Form to differentiate both between and within counselors was also supported. (Author)

Positive feedback was more desirable and impactful than negative feedback. There was no difference in credibility ratings. The only significant difference found in relation to the self-concept variable was a more favorable desirability rating for negative feedback by high-level self-concept subjects. (Author)

Students viewing a therapy session excerpt were told about the counselors' reputation, credentials, fees, or androgynous personality. Results indicated that the androgynous therapist received the most credible and attractive ratings, while the high-fee-charging therapist received the least credible rating. (JAC)

Two groups of Black and White subjects rated men and women of their own racial group with respect to the dimensions of reliability, trustworthiness, and responsibility. Little evidence was found for widespread gender stereotyping beyond a somewhat more positive self-image among women of both races. (Author/RLV)

Examines how differences in the verbal and nonverbal behaviors available to persons influence their accuracy in detecting deceptive communication. (JMF)