Showing papers in "Communication Quarterly in 1977"
TL;DR: The procedures involved in creating and certifying theories constructed within the laws, systems, and rules perspectives of human communication are compared and contrasted in order to delimit the focuses of a rules perspective to theory construction as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The procedures involved in creating and certifying theories constructed within the laws, systems, and rules perspectives of human communication are compared and contrasted in order to delimit the focuses of a rules perspective to theory construction. A review is provided of the approach by Cushman and his associates to human communication within the rules perspective. The author attempts to extend the previous analysis by developing a rules theory of interpersonal communication.
74 citations
TL;DR: The logical and empirical requirements for studying communication from the systems perspective are presented and it is argued that the systems view can incorporate important aspects of each.
Abstract: This essay presents the logical and empirical requirements for studying communication from the systems perspective. Four alternatives are distinguished: open, closed, cybernetic, and structural‐functional systems. The systems perspective is contrasted with competing theoretical views, and it is argued that the systems view can incorporate important aspects of each. A brief account of the epistemic framework provided by systems is provided.
68 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical rationale is provided which leads to the hypothesis that communication apprehension is negatively related to the amount of self-disclosure, and data are reported which provide support for the hypothesized relationship.
Abstract: A theoretical rationale is provided which leads to the hypothesis that communication apprehension is negatively related to the amount of self‐disclosure. Data are reported which provide support for the hypothesized relationship. Additional results indicate that high and low communication apprehensives have different perceptions of their self‐disclosive communication behaviors on a variety of dimensions.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the relationships among ontology, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and communication are developed, and a portion of a study is discussed as an illustration of the preliminary moves made in a phenomenological approach to communication research.
Abstract: The relationships among ontology, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and communication are developed. Communication is both a resource of the social world and that which constitutes the social world. As such, communication is hermeneutic —the interpretive and critical scheme —and the ontological foundation of the social world. Phenomenology is the perspective in and through which this foundation — seen as presuppositions — is critically examined. The phenomenological and positivistic perspectives are contrasted in terms of the respective emphases on ontological and epistemological objectives. Finally, a portion of a study is discussed as an illustration of the preliminary moves made in a phenomenological approach to communication research.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider various approaches to explanation by subsumption of particular cases under general laws, the alleged shortcomings of such covering law explanations, possible relationships between laws and rules, and several impediments to the development of covering law theories.
Abstract: This paper considers various approaches to explanation by subsumption of particular cases under general laws, the alleged shortcomings of such covering law explanations, possible relationships between laws and rules, and several impediments to the development of covering law theories.
47 citations
Abstract: “Linearity” in the design and conduct of research refers to the specification, in advance of data collection, of both a purpose for research and of the steps to be taken to serve the purpose. The requirements of naturalistic inquiry can make it difficult to design and conduct research according to the standards of linearity which are implicitly or explicitly reflected in scientific inquiry in speech communication. Ethnographies of speaking, one variety of naturalistic inquiry, are exemplary of this difficulty, but a consideration of how ethnographers can and do follow a standard of linearity in research design and conduct suggests that the difficulty is surmountable.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a monotonic function decreasing from the beginning of the speech through the post speech period was found to indicate a psychological pattern of speech anxiety similar to the physiological pattern.
Abstract: In previous research, a physiological pattern of speech anxiety has been established for the periods before, during, and after delivering a public speech However, no corresponding psychological pattern has been reported Although strong correlations between psychological and physiological measures have not been found, it seemed reasonable to expect public speakers to exhibit a psychological pattern of speech anxiety similar to the physiological pattern The results of this study support that hypothesis The observed pattern is a monotonic function decreasing from the beginning of the speech through the post speech period
36 citations
TL;DR: Literary, historical, epigraphical, and archaeological evidence provides strong support for the argument that the endowment of individual sophists and cultural building programs by Roman patrons was the critical factor in sustaining the rhetorical tradition of the Athenian Second Sophistic.
Abstract: Literary, historical, epigraphical, and archaeological evidence provides strong support for the argument that the endowment of individual sophists and cultural building programs by Roman patrons was the critical factor in sustaining the rhetorical tradition of the Athenian Second Sophistic.
22 citations
TL;DR: While covering laws, systems, and rules perspectives are emerging as dominant frameworks for theory construction in the study of communication, none fulfills the greatest contemporary need in our field, namely, the articulation of substantive theories embodying fruitful research exemplars.
Abstract: While covering laws, systems, and rules perspectives are emerging as dominant frameworks for theory construction in the study of communication, none fulfills the greatest contemporary need in our field, namely, the articulation of substantive theories embodying fruitful research exemplars. In juxtaposition, however, the perspectives highlight critical issues faced in developing communication theory.
19 citations
TL;DR: The three position papers presuppose the existence of communicative phenomena appropriate for subsumption by their modes of explanation as mentioned in this paper, and this presupposition has been responsible, in part, for the theoretical confusion which gave rise to the perceived need for this symposium.
Abstract: The more mature sciences began with extensive descriptions and interpretations of their objects of study. Communication has largely bypassed this necessary first step and has proceeded to questions of theory construction. The three position papers presuppose the existence of communicative phenomena appropriate for subsumption by their modes of explanation. This presupposition has been responsible, in part, for the theoretical confusion which gave rise to the perceived need for this symposium. We must engage in basic descriptive and interpretational work before we know what, if anything, needs theoretical accounting.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a conceptual framework for the study of everyday discourse or talk, grounded in the writings of Schutz and Garfinkel, which directs us to search for explanations of how social actors organize their everyday talk in interaction.
Abstract: As communication scholars we have neglected systematic examination of everyday discourse or talk. Although talk is used as a resource for communication research, it is seldom studied as a topic in its own right. A conceptual framework, grounded in the writings of Schutz and Garfinkel, directs us to search for explanations of how social actors organize their everyday talk in interaction. Such explanations are generated in the form of rules. Rules are defined as both conceptual and methodological tools rather than epistemological building blocks. Three areas which constitute an empirical basis for the study of talk are: (1) the organization of utterance units, (2) the sequencing of utterances, and (3) the structure of turn‐taking. While descriptive accounts of how talk works in interaction can complement more traditional methods of communication research, they are essential if we are to understand the relation of language and speech.
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptualization assigns naturalistic inquiry a unique function based on a definition of its subject-matter, rather than identifying it with particular (exploratory, field) types of research methods.
Abstract: Communication includes purposeful and meaningful actions, and an adequate study of it must incorporate both an account of actors’ meanings (naturalistic inquiry) and a description of their behaviors (objectivistic inquiry) This conceptualization assigns naturalistic inquiry a unique function based on a definition of its subject‐matter, rather than identifying it with particular (exploratory, field) types of research methods The form of naturalistic inquiry is determined by its subject‐matter: it must include actors’ meanings and telic as well as causal explanation, and any research method consistent with the subject‐matter is appropriately “naturalistic” Objective and naturalistic procedures are complementary both in science and in communication processes
TL;DR: The alternative theoretical bases described in this symposium may be contrasted on their definition of subjectmatter, identification of observational and analytical units, concept of human action, and structure of explanation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: An articulated theoretical basis for communication research is necessary because scientific observations are inherently theory‐laden. The alternative theoretical bases described in this symposium may be contrasted on their definition of subject‐matter, identification of observational and analytical units, concept of human action, and structure of explanation.
TL;DR: In this article, a micro-investigation of everyday communication patterns in natural settings, including the explication of the everyday participant's understanding, is a first step toward amassing detailed and critical knowledge of the intricate processes at work in talk.
Abstract: Conversational analysis (or more broadly, discourse analysis) is a research strategy used in the naturalistic study of communication, in which talk is studied as a phenomenon in its own right. The micro‐investigation of everyday communication patterns in natural settings, including the explication of the everyday participant's understanding, is a first step toward amassing detailed and critical knowledge of the intricate processes at work in talk. A later step is the construction of theory grounded in this accumulated data. Talk data is collected through participant‐observation techniques, and analyzed through interpretation by participants, observers, or the researcher.
TL;DR: This paper examined the speech, "The Source of Our Strength," delivered by George S. McGovern on October 11, 1972, at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. But they focused on the interlocked moments of the speech and found that a clear rhetoric of change emerges, indicating a quest for redemption as the preeminent motive inherent in McGovern's discourse.
Abstract: This article employs Kenneth Burke's notion of interlocked moments to examine the speech, “Sources of Our Strength,” delivered by Senator George S. McGovern on October 11, 1972, at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. A clear rhetoric of change emerges, indicating a quest for redemption as the preeminent motive inherent in McGovern's discourse.
TL;DR: In this article, a componential approach to members' categorization of people and situations is refined through the explication of members' talk, and the resulting systemic categorization is a specific enactment.
Abstract: Talk constitutes people and situations. People and situation categorizations are related to one another through talk. The resulting systemic categorization is a specific enactment. Members’ categorizations of self, other members, and the situation may be tacit Sacks’ membership categorization devices (MCD) are modified to handle tacit categorizations. A componential approach to members’ categorization of people and situations is refined through the explication of members’ talk. Further explication displays how member constituted people and situation categories interact to accomplish systemically the enactment of returning.
TL;DR: In this article, three dominant instructional models, found in all schools, are analyzed and discussed relative to a viable model to facilitate the increasing articulation of the concept of the student's right to his language.
Abstract: With the increasing assertion of minorities to legitimize their heritage, an increasing number of teachers, scholars, and professional organizations are advocating the concept of the student's right to his language. Three dominant instructional models, found in all schools, are analyzed and discussed relative to a viable model to facilitate the increasing articulation of the concept of the student's right to his language.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of the sex of the receiver, the status of the communicator, and the mode of communication on the exchange of positive, neutral, and negative evaluations were examined.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of the sex of the receiver, the status of the communicator, and the mode of communication on the exchange of positive, neutral, and negative evaluations. A 2 x 2 x 2 MANOVA produced a significant interaction between the status of the communicator and the mode of communication chosen to express interpersonal evaluations. Higher status persons were significantly less likely than lower status persons to indirectly communicate their negative evaluations of others. A main effect for sex suggests that women are more likely to experience positive evaluations than men.
TL;DR: This paper conducted a survey of 100 speech communication departments to determine existing practices and policies regarding the use of subjects in research and explain the potential effects of existing subject selection practices on generalizing from research results.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to: (1) identify the types of subjects used in published speech communication research; (2) report the results of a survey of 100 speech communication departments to determine existing practices and policies regarding the use of subjects in research; (3) explain the potential effects of existing subject selection practices on generalizing from research results; and, (4) provide methods for resolving generality problems arising from subject selection practices and policies. This review indicated excessive use of male college students and subjects enrolled in basic speech communication courses. The departmental survey indicated that most subjects participate as part of a course requirement. The generalizing of speech communication research to non‐college populations is questioned. It also is suggested that researchers should take more cognizance of ethical considerations when requiring subjects to participate in research projects.
TL;DR: An after-the-fact telephone survey in the Lexington, Kentucky, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area assessed the audience for the summer 1973 Public Broadcasting System coverage of the Watergate Hearings as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: An after‐the‐fact telephone survey in the Lexington, Kentucky, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area assessed the audience for the summer 1973 Public Broadcasting System coverage of the Watergate Hearings. Responses from 480 households showed the PBS audience for hearing coverage to he roughly six times the audience for regularly scheduled PBS programming. In addition, the PBS audience for the hearings included more households whose members were involved in public activities: three out of four PBS households included a member who had delivered a public address.
TL;DR: In the early 1930s, two American radio networks, NBC and CBS, first extended their programming activities to Latin American countries, and by the end of the decade they were the only informational sources countering the anti-American voices beamed to these neutral countries as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In 1930 two American radio networks, NBC and CBS, first extended their programming activities to Latin American countries. By the end of the decade theirs were the only informational sources countering the anti‐American voices beamed to these neutral countries. By 1942, in light of the continuing barrage of Nazi‐Fascist propaganda, U.S. national policy shifted from isolationism to a more active position in the shortwave field. As a result, our Government entered this field in a unique partnership with both networks. The NBC‐CBS venture was important in providing the technological and programming foundation for wartime shortwave activity (and the eventual outreach of The Voice of America); it also gave the networks a clearer perception of the program tastes of foreign audiences toward non‐slanted news and entertainment programs —which some critics have viewed as the roots of the cultural dependency of foreign markets on American programming.
TL;DR: The authors examines the present legal status and arguments supporting and rejecting police expressive freedoms and concludes that police frequently find their rights to bargain collectively, strike, engage in political debate, criticize superiors, and observe contemporary grooming styles prohibited.
Abstract: As public servants, policemen frequently find their rights to bargain collectively, strike, engage in political debate, criticize superiors, and to observe contemporary grooming styles prohibited. This essay examines the present legal status and arguments supporting and rejecting police expressive freedoms.
TL;DR: This paper examined the rhetoric of two union leaders who represent the dissident rank and file within the United Mine Workers of America and the United Steelworkers of America, calling for adaptation, renewal, and a new type of labor leader.
Abstract: In recent years rank and file leaders within labor unions have risen to challenge incumbents. This paper offers an addition to Herbert W. Simons’ theory on phases of leadership in certain types of social movements by examining the rhetoric of two union leaders who represent the dissident rank and file within the United Mine Workers of America and the United Steelworkers of America. Both men call for adaptation, renewal, and a new type of labor leader.
TL;DR: A content analysis was made of three rhetorical sources at Kent State University during the Fall Quarter immediately following the May, 1970, disturbances there as discussed by the authors, which showed significant differences in the frequencies of the nine themes of encounter by the three sources, although analysis by Pearson's correlation showed sources generally agreed on the relative rhetorical importance of each theme.
Abstract: A content analysis was made of three rhetorical sources at Kent State University during the Fall Quarter immediately following the May, 1970, disturbances there. A Chi‐square analysis showed significant differences in the frequencies of the nine themes of encounter by the three sources, although analysis by Pearson's correlation showed sources generally agreed on the relative rhetorical importance of each theme. Implications include the use of the themes of a “rhetoric of encounter” as a system of topoi for rhetorical invention in future similar rhetorical situations.
TL;DR: This paper made differences among theoretical bases for inquiry public and debatable and applauded as a positive step in the maturing process of scientific knowledge development and paradigm shifts, which is an emerging a paradigmatic discipline attempting to move to the preparadigmatic stage.
Abstract: Processes of revolution, evolution, and migration offer differing explanations of scientific knowledge development and paradigm shifts. Communication is an emerging a paradigmatic discipline attempting to move to the preparadigmatic stage. To the extent that this symposium makes differences among theoretical bases for inquiry public and debatable it is applauded as a positive step in the maturing process of our discipline.
TL;DR: In this article, a description of the hero so devised can, in turn, provide a starting place in the exploration of different kinds of ethos, as distinct from other tentatively identified types, the gratifying ethos, the functional ethos, and the generative ethos.
Abstract: Though rhetoric is not often used as a means of thinking about other things, rhetorical canons and relationships can, for example, provide a way of describing the nature of the hero. A description of the hero so devised can, in turn, provide a starting place in the exploration of different kinds of ethos. The hero in Shane makes a perfect economy; fully utilizing his inventive world, he is capable of all the structures and styles it makes possible, though he cannot go into a new world. He is an efficient ethos, as distinct from other tentatively‐identified types, the gratifying ethos, the functional ethos, and the generative ethos.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of communication interaction on a commuter bus in metropolitan Washington, D.C. is presented, where the focus of attention is placed on how typical interactions differ from the unusual.
Abstract: The purpose of this essay was to describe the rationale and method of research in natural settings so that communication undergraduates may use these techniques. The author explains the concept of systematic observation and answers basic questions through the use of an illustration. The illustration is a case study of communication interaction on a commuter bus in metropolitan Washington, D.C. In the illustration, analysis is divided into verbal and nonverbal communication. The focus of attention is placed on how typical interactions differ from the unusual. Finally, the uses of this research in the classroom are discussed.