This paper outlines the theoretical foundations of Soviet psychology, analyzes major themes based on these foundations, and identifies relevance of Soviet psychological research for American investigators. Basic social and political factors that influence Soviet research include centralization of all scientific and academic endeavors and…

Methodological problems associated with treatment research on cigarette smoking are explored, and possible solutions are discussed. The main problems considered are the selection and retention of subjects, the measurement of smoking, the design of treatment studies, and the interpretation and generalizability of experimental results. (Author)

Describes common methodological inadequacies in research on treatment of obesity and suggests alternatives. Importance of multiple measurement of outcome is emphasized. Merits of alternative single-subject and between-groups experimental designs are discussed. Reasons for conspicuous lack of long-term follow-ups are analyzed. Recommendations for…

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 and observed its 50th anniversary in 1985. This document discusses the changes that have taken place in knowledge about alcoholism. Specifically, this booklet compares what behavioral scientists knew about alcohol abuse and alcoholism in 1935 and what they knew and could do about them in 1985. Contributions…

Problems in conducting research with public offenders include lack of: a systematic body of knowledge, avenues of dissemination of information, a data base describing the situation, and communication between researchers and criminal justice staff members. Ethical concerns need to be dealt with. (Author)

Reviews the systemic and philosophical problems surrounding government funding for behavioral research. Discusses the relationship between Congress and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lists specific requests to NIH, and prognosticates the future of behavioral-research funding. (EMK)

Assumptions of applied behavior analysis are presented: (1) good practice should be good research; (2) behavioral goals, procedures, and effects should be socially validated; and (3) a systems perspective should be adopted when focusing on behavior analysis and intervention. (Author/JAC)

Goals and challenges pertaining to infant sensory and perceptual development are discussed. It is suggested that the inability of researchers to think and talk wisely about "partial accomplishments" in development creates a barrier in developmental research. Conceptual schemes are needed to accommodate these partial accomplishments. Three major…

Notes that psycholinguists have studied "fast mapping," and behavior analysts have studied the phenomenon of"learning by exclusion." Reviews the research protocols, questions, and outcomes of these two research lines to show their clear similarities, to support the argument that both disciplines are studying a single…

This review of 12 research reports on modifying attitudes toward persons with hearing impairments found mixed study results and poor study quality but concluded that properly structured contact showed the most promise as an intervention to improve attitudes. (DB)

Home-based and school-based programs that have presented sexual abuse prevention information through films, theatrical presentations, books, lectures, and behavioral skills training are evaluated. Results of program evaluations have shown that behavioral skills training packages are the most effective method of teaching self-protection skills and…

The problems of relating research to practice are discussed in the context of what, why, and how. The what of recent research is illustrated by examples which suggest that media-related research is becoming more rigorous, analytical, and theoretical, and thus more reliable and generally applicable. The why is briefly argued with reference to the…

There are many opportunities for research on how self-assessment affects behavior, especially external and internal mobility. Problems often occur in choice of ability dimensions and selection context. A firm theoretical base is necessary. (JAC)

ANOVA designs are used for description and/or explanation of developmental phenomena. These consist of taking any two of age, cohort, or time of measurement as independent variables. Employment of ANOVA has led researchers down blind alleys. Regression techniques are more useful. (Author)

Finds dissatisfaction among professionals in social psychology with the style, focus, and caliber of research. Suggests that understanding knowledge production among academics should include influences on research, such as political ideologies of professors, student selection and socialization, and system survival demands. Provides a four-page…