Don W. Stacks

An Analysis of Prolific Scholarship in Speech Communication, 1915-1985: Toward a Yardstick for Measuring Research Productivity.

Using the journals listed in the most recent index to journals in communication studies, publication patterns of prolific authors in speech communication between 1915 and 1985 were analyzed. Publication of as few as six articles in the journals studied places an individual in the top ten percent of scholars on the all‐time list. Publication of eleven articles places an individual in the top five percent. The data indicate publication early in a scholars career is very important, as is flexibility in selection of journals in which to publish.

The Modular Mind: Implications for Intrapersonal Communication.

This essay examines the role of the brain in conceptualizing and understanding intrapersonal communication. Drawing on research and theory from several disciplines, a communicative perspective on intrapersonal communication is developed which focuses on specific interhemispheric and intermodular processes inherent in intrapersonal communication. The implications of this perspective are discussed in terms of both theory and future research.

Dimensions of Writing Apprehension among Mass Communication Students

b Research on students in basic English composition courses shows that many fear writing, and suggests a relationship between this fear and enjoyment of writing,[ perceptions of academic and occupational choices, enrollment and anticipated success in writing courses,) and message ~ o n t e n t . ~ But what of mass communication students whose career choice seems predicated by affinity for communicating? Teachers of basic mass communication skills also encounter students for whom writing seems anathema.What is the nature of writing-related attitudes these students may have? This exploratory factor analytic study seeks to answer that question. Of course, communication researchers have long been concerned with writers psychological states. Osgood and Walker, for example, examined suicide notes.6 Pool and Shulman, Bauer and Zimmerman? and Schramm and Danielsong manipulated writers images of receivers and discovered differences in writing performance. Greenberg and Tannenbaum,lo and Bettinghaus and Preston measured the impact of stress

Toward a Holistic Approach to Communication: The Effect of "Pure" Hemispheric Reception on Message Acceptance.

This study examined the relationship between hemispheric processing of complex messages and message acceptance. In particular the research sought to answer several questions regarding the processing and interpretation of persuasive messages and message sources. Based on the results of this research it was concluded that (1) the brains right and left hemispheres, when isolated from one another, process information according to a particular “style,” (2) that semantic properties of language influence hemispheric processing, and (3) that message sources are perceived differently by the right and left hemispheres. Potential implications for the study of communication in terms of message style and acceptability, language intensity, perceptions of source, and perceptions of threat conclude this analysis.

Perceptions of regional communication associations

Given the relevance of regional associations, their conventions and journals, in the process of research and information dissemination, a survey of regional communication association members was undertaken to assess perceptions of the Southern States Communication Association, primarily, and the other regional associations secondarily. Results indicated the existence of a consistent image or stereotype, both within and outside the membership of the regional associations. Impact of these findings were discussed from a faculty members perspective.

A quantitative examination of ethical dilemmas in public relations

This research examined ethical responses of public relations preprofessionals to dilemmas they may face later in their careers. Subjects were required to respond to a request for information ordered suppressed by their employer. Results support earlier findings that students expect personal moral‐ethical values to override organizational concerns. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Perceptions of professional associations II: Role and impact of professional outlets on faculty development

The role and impact of speech communication professional associations on faculty development and career enhancement was examined. Results of a survey of faculty and administrators provided evidence for (a) a hierarchy of reasons for attending conventions, (b) the role of conventions in looking for jobs and for hiring, (c) the importance of convention papers at each of the national and regional conventions in the tenure and promotion decision‐making process, and (d) the importance of journal articles in each of the national and regional journals for assessing tenure and promotion.