As part of the study of human information search strategy the concept of the search tactic, or move made to further a search, is introduced. Twenty-nine tactics are named, defined, and discussed, and implications of search tactics for research in search strategy are considered. (Author/MBR)

Mathematical models and their construction are discussed. Successful mathematical model building is suggested as requiring a combination of deductive thinking and an understanding of the external world. (MP)

Contends that sex differences in response to various types of humor reveal significant personality characteristics. (MH)

Used computer-administered tests to measure the reaction time to nonverbal stimuli of 4- through 6-year-olds and adults. Found age-related increases in processing speed that could not be attributed to increased accuracy and error rate monitoring. Used these results to evaluate R. Kail's (1991) model of processing speed, which adequately accounted…

Three experiments investigated forgetting when a processing task is interpolated between presentation and recall of memory items with children ages 8-17 years. Findings showed consistent effects of the duration of the task, but no effects of its difficulty or similarity to memory material, and no developmental differences in task performance.…

The SeLective Attention Model (SLAM) performs visual selective attention tasks and demonstrates that object selection and attribute selection are both necessary and sufficient for visual selection. The SLAM is described, particularly with regard to its ability to represent an individual subject performing filtering tasks. (TJH)

Presents a "Cognitive Rules" model which specifies assumptions about the structures and processes underlying goal formation. Reports on experimental testing of the model's assumptions. Finds that a priming manipulation influences interaction goals in attributionally ambiguous but not in attributionally clear compliance-gaining…

A creatology matrix is developed to examine the abilities, processes, and products of four kinds of entities (culture, organization, group, person). Also examined are creativity as a matter of knowledge, identification with basic cultural values, and typicality of creative people within a culture. (JDD)

Argues that the question of whether information representation and processing are domain-general or domain-specific is neither meaningful nor answerable. Researchers should be asking questions about ways in which representation and processing are domain-general and ways in which they are domain-specific. (RH)

A developmental model of mental activity is proposed, describing central processing skills that are metaphorical in nature. This metaphorical thinking, in which semantic fields and knowledge domains are juxtaposed to enable individuals to perceive similarities between prior knowledge and unfamiliar situations, enables individuals to develop toward…

The technique for examining the time course of information processing developed by D. E. Meyer et. al. (1988) is analyzed. Research is provided, which suggests that this new method gives important qualitative support to some stochastic models and quantitative support to the continuous diffusion model of information processing. (SLD)

Reviews research on relationship between cognitive schemas and vocational behavior following from Kelly's (1955) personal construct psychology. Focuses particular attention on traditional study of vocational differentiation and integration as well as more recent efforts to combine these two variables into a structural model of vocational…

Describes performer-centric interface design and explains a model-based approach for conducting performer-centric analysis and design. Highlights include design methodology, including cognitive task analysis; creating task scenarios; creating the presentation model; creating storyboards; proof of concept screens; object models and icons;…

Comments on van Geert's mathematical model of Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, in this issue. Supports van Geert's use of a nonlinear model, noting that linear statistical models overlook variability in psychological phenomena. Discusses the time asymmetry in van Geert's model, which does not account for a subject's "developmental…