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Communicator-recipient similarity is conceptualized as having 3 dimensions: demographic similarity, att'al similarity, & situational similarity. The first 2 of these dimensions were tested in 2 factorial-design, cross-cultural persuasion exp's involving Amer & Filipino speakers & a total of 128 Filipino S's. The general hyp investigated was: The greater the communicator-recipient similarity, the greater the att change & the more favorably perceived/evaluated the communicator & the communication. Att'al similarity proved to be a more potent variable than demographic similarity. All cells showed signif before/after att change, but, contrary to what was hyp'ed, both exp's indicated that the least similar communicators were the most favorably perceived/evaluated by the recipients. These results are interpreted as instances of the disconfirmation of negative expectancies. AA.

This paper investigates the effects that different patterns of similarity among group members have on a group's performance on a problem-solving task. I discuss and test hypotheses on the effects of similarity on group performance derived from two literatures: balance theory and research on homophily. In an experiment I found that the relative balance of the pattern of similarity was more important in predicting how quickly groups establish norms of interaction and complete a task than how similar group members were to each other. Neither balance nor the degree of similarity had a significant effect on the quality of the groups' work. I conclude that groups with balanced similarity structures produce task solutions that approximate the quality of those from other groups, but they do so in significantly less time. That is, balanced groups are more efficient than unbalanced groups.

A statistic—the similarity coefficient—is developed for assessing the property that a set of scale items measures one and only one construct. This statistic is rooted in an explicit measurement model and is flexible enough to be used in exploratory scale analyses, even in small samples. Methods for analyzing similarity coefficients are described and illustrated in analyses of Stimson's (1991) policy mood data and Markus' (1990) popular individualism items. The Appendix discusses the statistical properties of similarity coefficients.

Several leading international relations theories argue that the degree of interest similarity is an important determinant of dyadic conflict and cooperation. Empirical scholars have long wrestled with operationalizing and measuring this central, yet elusive, concept. Signorino and Ritter's (1999) S algorithm, combined with multiple data sources, provides an attractive solution to this problem. To date, however, many scholars have failed to take full advantage of this solution. In this research note we examine the properties of S via simulation and with real data sources, highlighting its virtues and potential limitations. In particular, we stress the need to include multiple data sources in the computation and provide scholars with an easy-to-use tool to greatly simplify this task.