Offers support for the idea that dissonance is aroused only if the consequences of a discrepant action are known in advance and responsibility freely assumed. Graphs, tables, and bibliography. (RW)

Analyzed the complete interaction of high and low consensus groups in a basic small group course. Interaction analysis indicated that both the relational and content levels of communication are significantly different for high versus low consensus groups. The conclusion that increased feedback leads to decision satisfaction was confirmed. (JAC)

Examined differences between students who perceived themselves as "successful" and "unsuccessful" problem solvers. Results revealed "successful" and "unsuccessful" problem solvers differed in number of problems acknowledged, on self-report ratings about the personal problem solving process, and on ratings made by interviewers on several cognitive…

Identified the relationships of race and socioeconomic status (SES) to observed classroom behavior, academic achievement, and special education referral. Systematically selected and observed 109 fourth-grade Anglo, Black, and Hispanic boys from varying SES backgrounds, for 12 behaviors. Multivariate analyses found no race-related differences in…

Assesses both the contact hypothesis and the superordinate goal hypothesis through an examination of interracial interaction on a desegregated high school football team. The research shows that one can be resocialized to accept and use new value codes and interaction patterns toward members of another race. (NEC)

In a longitudinal study of sibling interaction, same-sex and mixed-sex pairs of siblings were observed twice in their homes. Interaction patterns remained stable over the 18 months separating the two observations. Older children initiated prosocial and combative behavior more often than younger children and submitted less often to dominant…

This article concerns the limitations of behavioral performance analysis as it is currently conceptualized by many educational technologists, presents a new paradigm for classifying responses, and suggests a more holistic model for human performance analysis that incorporates elements of developmental, behavioral, and cognitive psychology. (Author)

Tested the effects on social power of two aspects of client need: perceived need (high or low) and commitment to change (high and low). Results show perceived need had no significant effect on attitude change or information seeking. Commitment to change procedures had a significant effect on information-seeking behaviors. (Author)

Reviews the literature on reciprocity counseling. Evidence is presented for the usefulness of reciprocity counseling with young, well-educated, White clients with slight to moderate marital distress. Research into the effectiveness of several components of reciprocity counseling including contracting, problem solving training, and feedback is…

Convergence between temperament ratings from two different sources (mothers and observers) and observer codings of peer-peer interaction was assessed. (Author/MP)