This study attempted to relate findings from social psychological research in the area of attitude change with communicator characteristics, and to apply conclusions drawn from this research to influence processes and persuasion within an educational context. Six basic hypotheses were tested employing three experimental groups and a control group.…

This exploratory study involving 108 undergraduates investigated effects of equivocation, order of agreeable and disagreeable issues, source credibility, and time on the receiver's agreement with and recall of messages. Results indicated that both equivocated messages and high-credibility sources produced significantly more agreement. Recall was…

In order to test the effects of high camera angle on credibility, high- and low-camera-angle versions of a televised speaker were recorded on videotape. Semantic differential ratings of the speaker were obtained from 176 college students randomly assigned to high- or low-camera-angle treatment groups. Factors identified as dynamism, competence,…

Examines three dimensions of credibility from a multivariate listener perspective and concludes that dynamism is the most important variable with trustworthiness second and competency third. (MH)

Evaluators often assume that outcome studies assessing agency effectiveness should provide the most relevant data for decision makers who must form judgments about treatment in order to make policy, program, and clinical decisions. Yet evaluators have found that decision makers often fail to use results of evaluation studies. (Author/CTM)

Investigates the effects of various source characteristics on the persuasiveness of communications in the area of public health and presents evidence suggesting that a peer appeal can be more effective than a persuasive attempt by a source from a different age group. (MH)

Discusses a study based on the assumption that change of meaning is, under certain circumstances, of fundamental importance to the information integration process. (MH)

Describes a method that can help student reporters select and cover a beat. (FL)

To assess the effect of feedback combinations in group interactions, 28 college students participated in a two hour workshop and then completed feedback ratings. Results indicated differences in credibility, desirability, cohesion, and evaluation, with the positive-negative-positive feedback combination being most effective. (BL)

Describes the counselor role in crisis management, ethical guidelines, and how crisis management affects professional credibiltiy, time management, and the life of the counselee. (BL)

Two experiments examined the determinants of children's belief or disbelief of statements made to them by other children. In both, the personal characteristics of the child transmitting the message were varied against message type and age of child receiving the message; transmitter characteristics were relative age and social dominance. (RH)

Suggests that preventative measures, such as proper instruction in basic journalism classes, are not always enough to prevent plagiarism. Urges publications that have discovered they have printed a plagiarized piece to admit their error frankly to their readers. (MM)

Compared a hypnotic induction procedure based on social learning principles (skill induction) with a traditional eye-fixation/relaxation trance induction, a placebo, and a control. Results suggested that hypnotic responses are elicited by expectancy and that induction procedures are a means of increasing subjects' expectancies for hypnotic…

Assessed the importance of the informational content of letters of recommendation. Personnel directors (N=98) rated sample letters. Results showed that example specificity and favorability increased the positive perceptions of the recommendee. Example specificity also enhanced the perceived credibility of the letter writer. (JAC)