The interpersonal communication approach to HIV/AIDS prevention: strategies and challenges for faith-based organizations.

This study examines the interpersonal communication approach to HIV/AIDS prevention within Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Jamaica. Applying concepts from the social influence and social learning theories, the study examines communication strategies, challenges and concerns that religious leaders face in their communication efforts. Data gathered qualitatively through focus groups and in-depth interviews indicate that FBOs are social and cultural entities with potential to influence knowledge,attitude and behaviour for HIV/AIDS prevention. However, issues related to content, context, culture, the prevailing AIDS-related stigma alongside religious leaders’ personal characteristics hamper their communication initiatives. Capacity building of leaders as HIV/AIDS communicators and behaviour change facilitators and a collaborative effort between FBOs and health organizations would enhance their HIV/AIDS response

PROF: A Simulation and Analysis Technique for Capturing Information-Processing Policies

Argues that although there has been much research in the field of human communication, the area of individual differences in human information processing has largely been ignored. A methodology, referred to as the PROF technique, which is specifically designed for research in this area is described. Because the advance of communication theory depends on developing an understanding of how people interpret information differently, the PROF technique not only isolates the degree of homogeneity among raters, but also defines the policies of these raters by identifying the relative importance assigned to each different dimension (factor array) in a particular information-processing policy. 3 steps are involved in the procedure: (a) creation of the simulated profiles, (b) collection of the profile rating data, and (c) analysis of the data. Each step is discussed in detail and an illustration dealing with desirable characteristics in potential employees as judged by managers with varying years of experience is provided