Telephone surveys were conducted in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan, to assess both the relative credibility of news presentations by the local news media and respondents' reasons for using these media. The results supported previous research on local news credibility, suggesting that television was the more believable medium, even in a local…

Undertaken in conjunction with the 1976 presidential election, this study examined perceptions of Gerald R. Ford against conceptualizations of the ideal political candidate. Questionnaires were administered to 321 undergraduates (both Republicans and Democrats) in order to measure perceived credibility and homophily of the ideal candidate and of…

Two factors are important in understanding heckling. First, heckling is a negative comment on the speaker. This negative feedback tends to lower speaker effectiveness. Second, the relationship between the heckler and the audience member is important. If the audience member sees himself as more closely aligned to the speaker, heckling will increase…

Relationships between perceived voter use of information sources and perceived source credibility and gubernatorial candidate preference were examined in a cross-lagged correlation design employing data from Illinois primary and general election surveys. The only significant test-retest correlation for source use and believability was for…

This study investigated cognitive impairment as a function of reflective fear arousal and also the relationship between the creation of cognitive impairment and resulting attitude change. A three-part measuring instrument was developed to assess attitudes, evaluate perception of alleged danger, and determine credibility. The subjects were 112…

A general framework for viewing the relationship between attribution processes and perceived source credibility is proposed. Based upon this framework, an experimental study was conducted examining perceived source credibility as a function of causal attributions in messages. Three independent variables were incorporated into a 2x2x2 factorial…

Discusses the development of young children's ability to distinguish between warranted and unwarranted assertions in various kinds of communication. Includes examples of home and classroom techniques for building this critical thinking skill. (CW)

The article describes group games which physical education teachers can use to encourage cooperative problem solving, risk taking, and trust among participants, rather than competition. (CD)

Suggests that challenges to the free press are best dealt with through credible and responsible reporting. (RB)

Editor, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Drawer NJ, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Subscription Rates: $4.00, individuals; $6.00, libraries and institutions.

This analysis of Malaysian secondary schools indicates that the observed high levels of student alienation and distrust within the heterogeneous schools are due to a complex interaction effect between certain internal features and the way they are perceived to be linked to the adult occupational structure. (Author/AM)

Interviewees were secretly instructed to answer six questions honestly and six deceptively. Deceptive answers were hesitant and lengthy. Visual presence of the interviewer increased variability in verbal response time and decreased the length of response. Interviewers were able to discriminate between truth and falsehood. Increased hesitation and…

Investigates the effects of communication apprehension on listeners by focusing on the extent to which the apprehension of the sender influences his/her communication effectiveness as perceived by the receiver. (MH)

When a Soviet note dispatched to Britain, France, and the United States in 1958 was termed an ultimatum by the "Lion" (the New York "Times"), most of the press followed suit, although other explanations of the note were available; this pattern illustrates the phenomenon designated as the "jackal syndrome." (GW)

Offers evidence indicating that a higher level of trust is associated with more consciously intended and greater amounts of self disclosure. (MH)