Virginia McDermott, Ph.D.
Ph.D., University of Illinois, 2004  Office: Room 206	Assistant Professor Communication

Research:

Broadly categorized as interpersonal communication or health communication, but specifically interested in how the form, structure and content of language influence perceptions.

Sample Publications:

• McDermott, V. M. (2004). "Using motivated sequence in persuasive speaking: The speech for charity." The Communication Teacher, 18, 13–14.

• McDermott, V.M. (February 2004). "Troubles talk and troubles response: Are there normative expectations?" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Western States Communication Association, Albuquerque, NM.

• McDermott, V.M. and Gassaway, R. (February 2004). "When the job is the stress: Identifying the unique stressors of crime scene investigators." Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Western States Communication Association, Albuquerque, NM.

• Goldsmith, D.J., McDermott, V.M. and Alexander, S.C. (2000). "Helpful, supportive, and sensitive: Measuring the evaluation of enacted social support in personal relationships." Journal of Personal and Social Relationships (17, pp 369-391).

• McDermott, V.M. (November 1999). "Through thick and thin?: The impact of illness on friendship." Paper presented at the meeting of the National Communication Association, Chicago.

• McDermott, V.M. (May 1999). "Identity re-construction and the communicative dilemma of long-term cancer survivors." Paper presented at the meeting of the International Communication Association, San Francisco.

Research Methods: I utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods. The data that I work with is generally more qualitative in nature, including segments of conversations and interviews. However, I am interested in trends and frequencies, so I tend to use more quantitative methods to analyze the data.

Authors: Erving Goffman, Barbara O'Keefe, and Steve Duck.

Teaching Style: Typically, the classes I teach are designed so students can get a fuller understanding of the dynamics of the communication events that we experience daily. This focus encourages interaction and stresses the application of material to their experiences.

Why UNM?: The department had the three essential elements: (1) smart, interesting people, (2) doing good work that they enjoy, (3) who were also nice and collegial. The bonus was the great weather and scenery

Spare Time: Traveling, art, reading.