SBS BRR RR RRR RRR RRR HB -19- Salient characteristics of the communication process will be identified by investigators through direct observa-~ tion of the process and interviews with key informants. Following the format and structure of the Shannon-Weaver communication model (Shannon and Weaver, 1949) investiga- tors will determine: 1. the source, including who or what they tend to be; 2. messages, including their content, composition and structure; 3. channel(s) through which messages flow;. 4, receivers, including those likely to be informed first, 5. second, etc.; and effects, including the general nature of responses to communications. Two informal communication networks exist in the ‘Marshall Islands. and atolls. islands An overall network exists among the islands Local networks exist in regions and on the small in the atolls. Initial research efforts will concen- trate on determining the operation and structure of the flow of communications throughout the Marshall Islands. network process is identified and categorized, Once the major research efforts will concentrate on the information flow in and out of Bikini, Kili, Ujilang, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utirik. In both instances, elements in the Shannon-Weaver model will direct the collection of information. Perceived credibility of communication sources is likely