ABSTRACT
This is the ninth in a series of annual volumes providing yearly reviews and syntheses of developments in the evolution of the science of communication. Each volume in the series provides (1) disciplinary reviews and commentaries on topics of general interest to scholars and researchers no matter what their specialized interest in communication studies, (2) current research on a variety of topics that reflect the scholarly concerns of persons working in designated areas, and (3) subject and author indexes that offer convenient reference for each volume. Reviews and commentaries for this volume were solicited by the series editor, and chapters presenting current research were selected through processes of competitive judging. Final acceptance of all chapters was based upon refereeing processes established by the editor.
