The last year of work of a two-year study designed to systematically evaluate the construct of independence in a special ghetto population and its relationship to other variables are described in this report. In this process, several reliable measurement techniques emerge including the classroom behavior checklist, sociometric methods, measures of…

This paper explores the process and characteristics of becoming bicultural. The basic argument is that becoming bicultural is an eclectic process, which results in an idiosyncratic mixture of the two cultures with one basic "cultural competence," but with two sets of "socio-cultural performance." (Author/CFM)

Indicates that (1) the prevalence of four selected cognitive strategies among voters shifted during the 1984 presidential campaign and (2) communication behavior differed between persons using the same strategies at different stages of the campaign. Supports research suggesting that campaign communication is not just a simple function of…

Studied one aspect of communication competency: how people express emotions through verbal behavior. Found, among other conclusions, that references to unpleasant emotions outnumber references to pleasant emotions almost two to one. (PD)

This guide examines the rationale for and the process of conducting a functional behavioral assessment as required under the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The guide looks at ways schools and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams can translate this new public policy into classroom practice by means of a…

Twenty-seven teachers rated 196 retarded workers with respect to the frequency of maladaptive behavior and the 28 items of a language behavior rating scale with respect to the probability that a given behavior would result in termination of employment. (Author/SBH)

This review highlights issues in functional outcome assessment and describes educationally based functional outcome measures applicable to students with severe disabilities. Specific norm-referenced and criterion-referenced instruments are reviewed for their usefulness in describing functional independence and functional challenges across…

An exploratory study examined the origins of children's motivational patterns in the family by observing 10 helpless and 11 mastery-oriented third graders. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that mothers of mastery children may socialize their children's achievement motivation. (SLD)

Explored relationship between perceived control and treatment outcome with adolescents exhibiting internalizing or externalizing behavior problems. Externalizing offenders experienced better treatment outcomes when they acknowledged their problem and credited themselves with success. Internalizing offenders, who attributed failures to themselves…

Examines the frequency and correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among 250 gay and bisexual African-American men in the San Francisco (California) Bay area. More than 50 percent reported having unprotected anal intercourse in the past six months. Findings demonstrate the need for risk reduction programs targeting this population. (SLD)

Two studies involving 135 female and 21 male undergraduates compare effects of masculinity and femininity on rater and ratee evaluations of emergent leader behavior in mixed-sex and same-sex groups. Masculinity is not associated with peer-rated leadership, but femininity is correlated with two measures (self-task and self-relationship) of…

Examines how African-American alternative masculine behaviors are expressed within same-sex peer groups and friendships. It is proposed that African-American males have adopted an alternative style of masculinity to cope with social and interpersonal pressures, even though it can sometimes be dysfunctional and associated with negative…

Potential long-term effects of the trauma of severe sexual abuse on a child's sense of living in his/her body and in the world are explored. Trauma and dissociation are analyzed and linked to a posttraumatic sense of personal identity. Then dissociation, multiple personality disorder, eating disorders, somatization disorder, self-mutilation, and…

A University of New Mexico medical school study investigated opinions of faculty and students concerning student unethical behavior; discrepancies between the two groups' perceptions; prevalence of such behavior, as estimated by faculty and students; and policy and procedures concerning instances of unethical student behavior. (Author/MSE)

A recent study, "Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses," has prompted calls for more aggressive substance abuse prevention programs. The report cites widespread alcohol abuse and links drinking patterns to college size. In response, policymakers and higher education officials express concern about alcohol's relationship to…