Interpersonal Communication Research: Advances Through Meta-analysis(Routledge Communication Series)

The study of interpersonal communication is one of the more vibrant domains for social scientific theorizing and investigation. Those interested in systematically understanding the richness of social life must address germinal issues: How and why individuals are attracted to certain others, how talk synchronizes perceptions and behaviors, or how and why individuals employ strategic messages to achieve relational outcomes. This book is about those conversations. Approaching their tasks from various perspectives and with numerous agendas, the contributors all share the commitment to establish reliable generalizations about interpersonal communication in ways that can be properly described as "scientific." While selecting and arranging chapters in this volume, the contributors were mindful of the issues addressed and the potential of chapters to establish significant generalizations about interpersonal communication. Presenting the issues in five parts, this book: * presents an overview of individual characteristics in interpersonal communication and three meta-analyses reflecting this theme, * considers literature emphasizing the dyadic approach to interpersonal communication, * explores the interactional approach to interpersonal communication, * considers the impact of the meta-analyses on the understanding of interpersonal communication, and * sets the stage for independent meta-analyses.

Table of Contents:

Contents: R.W. Preiss, M. Allen, Preface: On Numbers, Narratives, and Insights Regarding Interpersonal Communication. Part I:Interpersonal Communication Research and Meta-Analysis.M. Allen, R.W. Preiss, Meta-Analysis and Interpersonal Communication: Function and Applicability. C.R. Berger, Meta-Analysis in Context: A Proto-Theory of Interpersonal Communication. Part II:Individual Issues in Interpersonal Communication.B.M. Gayle, R.W. Preiss, An Overview of Individual Processes in Interpersonal Communication. E. Sahlstein, M. Allen, Sex Differences in Self-Esteem: A Meta-Analytic Assessment. L.M. Timmerman, Comparing the Production of Power in Language on the Basis of Gender. B.H. Spitzberg, J.P. Dillard, Social Skills and Communication. Part III:Dyadic Issues in Interpersonal Communication.B.M. Gayle, R.W. Preiss, An Overview of Dyadic Processes in Interpersonal Communication. M. Allen, N. Burrell, Sexual Orientation of the Parent: The Impact on the Child. K.A. Yun, Similarity and Attraction. K. Dindia, Self-Disclosure Research: Knowledge Through Meta-Analysis. D. Hample, J.M. Dallinger, The Effects of Situation on the Use or Suppression of Possible Compliance-Gaining Appeals. Part IV:Interactional Issues in Interpersonal Communication.B.M. Gayle, R.W. Preiss, An Overview of Interactional Processes in Interpersonal Communication. M. Allen, A Synthesis and Extension of Constructivist Comforting Research. N.A. Burrell, Divorce: How Spouses Seek Social Support. M. Allen, T.M. Emmers-Sommer, T.L. Crowell, Couples Negotiating Safer Sex Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Conversation and Gender. M.A. Hamilton, P.J. Mineo, Argumentativeness and Its Effect on Verbal Aggressiveness: A Meta-Analytic Review. T.M. Emmers-Sommer, Sexual Coercion and Resistance. B.M. Gayle, R.W. Preiss, M. Allen, A Meta-Analytic Interpretation of Intimate and Nonintimate Interpersonal Conflict. Part V:Meta-Analysis and Interpersonal Communication Theory Generation.M. Allen, R.W. Preiss, An Analysis of Textbooks in Interpersonal Communication: How Accurate Are the Representations? D.J. Canary, M.J. Mattrey, How Does Meta-Analysis Represent Our Knowledge of Interpersonal Communication. M.A. Fitzpatrick, Better Living Through Science: Reflections on the Future of Interpersonal Communication. M.E. Roloff, The State of the Art of Interpersonal Communication Research: Are We Addressing Socially Significant Issues?