Lawrence J. Chase

The effects of differential linguistic patterns in messages attempting to induce resistance to persuasion

This investigation posited an interaction between type of message strategy (supportive or refutational) and level of language intensity used in messages attempting to induce resistance to subsequent persuasive appeals. As predicted, there was a positive linear relationship between language intensity and resistance to persuasion when supportive pre‐treatment messages were employed; moreover, a predicted curvilinear relationship was found when differing levels of intense language were used in refutational pretreatment messages. Results are discussed in terms of the mediating effects of language variable in inoculation and congruity theory predictions.

A power‐analytic examination of contemporary communication research

While Type I error has enjoyed widespread attention in communication research, the interrelated concepts of statistical power and Type II error have been generally neglected. In order to assess the extent of the disregard for these considerations, a statistical power analysis of the articles published in the 1973 volumes of the nine major communication journals was conducted. The results indicated that published communication research was generally lacking in statistical power. The average power estimates for small, medium, and large effects were .18, .52, and .79, respectively. These estimates correlate with previously conducted power analyses by psychological and educational researchers, thus evidencing the fact that low statistical power pervades behavioral research. Recommendations for the elimination of this problem were advanced, and the role of power analysis as an important consideration in experimental design was explicated.

Statistical Power: Derivation, Development, and Data-Analytic Implications

In 1933, Neyman and Pearson introduced the interrelated concepts of statistical power and Type II error in response to a fundamental asymmetry in the hypothesis testing process. With few exceptions, however, statistical power did not become a regular textbook inclusion until some 30 years later. Modern concern for power evolved naturally from the “significance test controversy,” and was further stimulated by Cohen’s (1962) review in the Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology. To date, eight power-analytic surveys have been conducted. Generally, the average power estimates derived from these analyses have been quite low. Providing sufficient power serves to decrease the commission of Type II errors, and may prevent misinterpretations of nonsignificant results. Including statistical power in the design and analysis of an experiment requires an a priori estimate of the effect size, as well as calculating obtained effect size. The obtained effect size reflects the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, and as such provides a better characterization of the research effort than does reporting only the significance level.

Communication disorders: a power analytic assessment of recent research.

This study assessed the relative statistical power of contemporary research in communication disorders. Results of the analysis, based upon an evaluation of two major journals, revealed overall mean power figures of 0.16, 0.44, and 0.73 for small, medium, and large effect sizes, respectively. Interdisciplinary comparisons indicated that low statistical power is not unique to research in communication disorders, but is apparent in other behavioral science areas as well. Several alternatives are offered to the researcher who will want to ensure sufficient power for his investigation on an a priori basis. The implications of this study are discussed in reference to the experimenter/clinician model.

An Assessment of Quantitative Research in Mass Communication

Analysis of 48 articles in two mass communication journals finds statistical power relatively high. Interdisciplinary comparisons are favorable.

Television drama as a facilitator of prosocial behavior: “The Waltons”

(1979). Television drama as a facilitator of prosocial behavior: “The Waltons”. Journal of Broadcasting: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 277-284.

A literary analog to conflict theories: The potential for theory construction

A case study of Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment (Part I) was conducted to demonstrate the existence of literary analogs to contemporary conflict theories, as well as to indicate the potential for theory construction via literary analysis. Three analogs were described which correspond to the frustration‐aggression model, the decision‐making or game‐theoretic approach, and the instinctual aggression paradigm, respectively.