Assessed the effects of gender and credibility introduction on eighth graders' (N=240) perceptions of counselor expertness, attractiveness, trustworthiness, and confidence. Results showed that perceived expertness was more a function of the credibility introduction than of counselor gender with female counselors' ratings more sensitive to the…

Confirms the hypotheses that (1) males are expected to use more aggressive persuasive strategies and when they do not conform to such expectations, attitude change is inhibited; and (2) females are not expected to use such aggressive strategies and are penalized when they are the source of unexpectedly aggressive message strategies. (PD)

Reviews the effects of source credibility and other variables in the communication process, showing how they work in cognitive response and attribution theories. Develops and posits a theoretical position that links the two types of theories. (RL)

Reports that Ellsworth Collings faked data and misrepresented his research in a 1923 study that became a hallmark of progressive education. "An Experiment with a Project Curriculum," supposedly documented a group of high school students' independent efforts at studying an outbreak of typhoid. Collings seriously misrepresented his input.…

Compares readers' and listeners' perceptions of powerless language features. Examines whether oral versions of powerless messages generate higher credibility ratings than written versions. Finds that subjects note more hesitations in writing but more hedges on tape, and that placing powerless speech in the written transcript reduces…

Analysis of interactions during 55 videotaped interviews of high-risk sex abuse cases found no support for the assumption that a credible disclosure of abuse must include the display of emotion by the child. Some behavioral differences between preschool and school-age children were found, but no gender differences. (Author/DB)

The relevance of teacher educators' own teaching experience to the current classroom needs of teachers is examined from an Australian perspective, and related criticisms of the current system of teacher education are discussed. It is proposed that teacher educators be encouraged to engage in active research on teaching and teacher training. (MSE)

Presents results of two studies examining individual differences in self-presentation style. Identifies three major groups among subjects: consistents, flexible impression managers, and rigid impression managers. Reports differences in self-evaluations among the groups with consistents rating themselves most favorably. Concludes that individuals'…

Attempts to determine the consistency with which students report their ethnic background by comparing two sources of self-reported ethnic data: an application form and an interest inventory. Finds that students do not always select the same ethnicity on different forms. Suggests that inconsistency is aggravated by: (1) phrasing of items; (2)…

Using a pre- and post-test design, this study examined the relation of an adult's credibility and message frequency to the beliefs of female high school students participating in a job-shadowing program. Hypotheses were based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model of attitude formation and change. Findings indicate that credibility of the adult…

A content analysis of 20 student conduct codes identified through stratified random sampling was performed to determine the extent to which legal terminology had been eliminated, as suggested by judicial affairs experts. The results showed that 80% of the codes selected in this study still contained some legal terms. These words and phrases are…

The Education Act of 1989 brought into existence the New Zealand National Qualifications Authority (NZQA), of which the first major task was to develop a national qualifications framework (NQF; New Zealand Government, 1989). The NQF was initially envisaged as a unified framework into which all secondary, vocational, and tertiary qualifications…

Several studies have examined realism and instructional effectiveness of physical simulations. However, very few have touched on the question of their credibility or verisimilitude, from the user's point of view. This article presents an empirical exploratory study which investigated the perceptions of potential users of a simulation-based virtual…

The experience of the child victim as a courtroom witness in sexual abuse cases is examined in this study of a testing program involving 30 children aged 6 to 15. The purpose of the study was to identify needs not recognized by courts that can be responded to, denied, or exacerbated through language. Based on court transcripts, differences were…

This paper examines the ethos-centered crusade in which the evangelist, not a doctrine or a political/social issue, becomes the reason the audience attends to the message. The paper analyses how the Billy Graham crusades fit this definition--the fame of the evangelist extends beyond any individual crusade, the message preached by the evangelist…