Keith V. Erickson

Cultural differences in disclosiveness as a function of locus of control

This study focuses upon disclosiveness of persons of American and non‐Western cultural origins as a function of locus of control. The hypothesis and questions posed focused on potential American and non‐Western differences in disclosiveness that might be mediated by internal and/or external loci of control. The 360 respondents were American and international students studying in the USA. Analyses detected generally low‐level differences in disclosiveness (and locus of control) between persons of American and non‐Western cultural origins. However, when separate analyses were conducted for internals and externals, the persons with external loci of control displayed substantially more disclosiveness differences based upon their cultural origins. Locus of control appeared to be a meaningful construct that can help explain the reason (s) for normative cultural differences in disclosiveness.

A survey of police communication training

This article reports a national survey of Chiefs of Police regarding the extent to which communication training is provided law enforcement officers. Data analysis reveals both extensive and varied communication training programs. Moreover, the respondents demonstrate a marked interest in and appreciation for communication training. The authors note implications of the study for teachers of speech.

A multidimensional scaling analysis of the “ideal interpersonal communication instructor”

This study investigated the perceived personality and behavioral correlates of the “Ideal Interpersonal Communication Instructor.” A procedure was devised in which the concept “Ideal Interpersonal Communication Instructor” was judged against a series of stimulus items representing personality traits and integrative/dominative/hybrid teacher behaviors. Data generated from the administration of this procedure were submitted to nonmetric, multidimensional scaling analysis. Results indicated that there was a two‐dimensional structure underlying the subjects judgments.

Presidential political silence: Rhetoric and the rose garden strategy

In recent presidential election years incumbents have employed the “rose garden” strategy, a refrain from political campaigning, confronting adversaries, and partisan issue‐taking. The rose garden strategy allows an incumbent to be isolated from the political arena and to role‐enact an idealized conception of the presidency. This essay examines the rhetorical and political requirements, maintenance, benefits, liabilities, and ethics of the rose garden strategy in presidential election campaigns.

The Doctoral Dissertation in Speech Communication: An Inventory of Attitudes and Experiences.

Theorists in higher education question the dissertations worth as a Ph. D. degree requirement. This study surveyed five hundred recently graduated Ph. Ds in Speech Communication regarding their attitudes toward and experiences in writing a dissertation. Suggestions are offered for the improvement of the dissertation experience.

Jimmy Carter: The rhetoric of private and civic piety

Jimmy Carter disclosed details of his spiritual beliefs and employed religious‐political rhetoric in the 1976 election campaign. His religiosity communicated trustworthiness, served as a source of identification with evangelicals, and generated media attention. Moreover, Carters religious political discourse reaffirmed Americans’ civic piety and faith in America.

A scale for the measurement of teachers’ affective communication

Student evaluation measures developed in recent years reflect a growing recognition of the relationship between teacher effectiveness and the affective components of the teachers classroom communication. This paper reports the development of a fourteen‐item Index of Teachers’ Affective Communication (ITAC) which was designed to avoid the shortcomings associated with currently available measurement strategies.

The lost rhetorics of Aristotle

Our understanding of Aristotles theory of rhetoric is incomplete as little is known of the content or philosophy of his lost rhetorics. Although ancient testimonia alludes to as many as nine Aristotelian rhetorics, modern scholarship recognizes four (including the extant Rhetoric). This article examines Aristotles lost rhetorics and their influence upon his philosophy of rhetorical discourse.

Freedom of expression and the law enforcement officer

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.

Simulation Learning Experiences in Speech Communication.

Speech Communication educators with increased frequency are reporting the theoretical and pragmatic application of simulations and games in the classroom. This study undertook to investigate the extent to which these pedagogical strategies are employed within the discipline of Speech Communication.