April 13, 1999

Here are descriptions of the radio stories available on the Ohio State University Info Line, April 16 through April 23, 1999. Stories are changed at noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All feeds include one wraparound report of approximately 1:00 and at least one other actuality plus background material. If you have questions, want additional information, or need a re-feed of a missed story, call Amy Murray at 614-292-8385.

Friday 4/16-Monday 4/19 - Teenagers aren’t always distant or inconsiderate. A new Ohio State University study shows teenagers are more affectionate and more willing to help around the house than most parents think. Ray Montemayor, a professor of psychology, found that teenage girls are more helpful and affectionate toward their parents than teenage boys, and that mothers get more help and affection than fathers. He says the secret to getting your teenager to cooperate is maintaining a good parent-teen relationship that is marked by warmth and support.

Monday 4/19-Wednesday 4/21 - Why do many prices end with ‘9’? Stores may be doing the smart thing when they price their items to end with a nine--like 89 cents or $1.79. Mark Stiving, a professor of marketing at Ohio State, studied more than 13,000 purchases and says many consumers ignore the last digit when comparing prices of two comparable items.

Wednesday 4/21-Friday 4/23 - While no one likes to get rejection letters, they can be written to help the reader feel less angry or hurt. Businesses and others who write rejection letters are better off delivering the bad news up front rather than placing it lower in the letter. Ohio State University English Professor Kitty Locker looked at how readers reacted to rejection letters. She says businesses should clearly spell out the reason for the refusal, be brief, and when possible, suggest a compromise.

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www.osu.edu is Ohio State’s Internet address. News releases (including this rundown sheet) from University Communications and many other offices are posted on the website. The site is also a great source for answers to frequently asked questions about OSU.