Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student centered approach whereby students deal with ill-structured problems while working in small groups. In this study, a path model was utilized to model the relationships among reasoning ability, learning approach, prior knowledge, motivational variables, and achievement in genetics in PBL classes. 126 eighth…

While attributions have traditionally been viewed as social cognition variables, some researchers have proposed that individual differences exist in attributional patterns and that these patterns are differentially related to and predictive of various behaviors. A study was conducted to examine the question of attribution style as a trait-like…

Recent research in persuasion shows that while message recipients often use little cognitive effort when assessing message validity, they may instead rely on a heuristic processing strategy. This study used a priming-like paradigm to manipulate the reliability that subjects apply to the heuristic "message length implies message strength." Subjects…

Identifies automaticity as a condition allowing previously learned mental functioning to occur with minimal drain on one's attentional mechanism. Asserts that counseling becomes increasingly effective as trainees accumulate automatic facilitative behaviors and free attentional capacities to understand uniqueness of the individual client. Presents…

Examined the level of perceptual differentiation of 42 young adult drug addicts. Analysis of variance showed that addicts, like alcoholics, were less perceptually differentiated than normals. Correlational and/or multivariate procedures yielded significant relationships between differentiation, verbal and abstraction abilities, likelihood of…

Demonstrated a set of research techniques that combine multidimensional scaling, a quantitative cognitive procedure, and a cost-outcome analysis to study subgroup behavior of obsessive-compulsives (N=12). Results indicated that obsessive-compulsives are underinclusive in their evaluation of stimuli during judgment task. (LLL)

Examined differences between self-perceived effective and ineffective problem solvers on several cognitive content and process variables of college students (N=500). Results indicated that subjects who perceived themselves as effective problem solvers had higher self-concepts and coping styles that were less blameful and more problem focused. (LLL)

Develops measures of individual differences in attribute centrality, investigates convergent validity, and explores differences in central and noncentral attribute functions within same person. University students in three countries completed questionnaires. Four relative centrality measures correlated with information required to make decisions…

The importance of understanding individual differences in learning styles and temperament for developing special education programs is considered in the context of K. Lewin's theories of the interaction between behavior, personality, and environment. (DB)

Investigates the reflectivity hypothesis by assessing (1) individual differences in preschool children's decentration ability and cognitive style of reflection-impulsivity and (2) the effects of instructing preschool children to adopt a reflective search strategy in their use of intention and consequence information in moral judgments. (Author/RH)

By capitalizing on students' strengths and interests, reading styles instruction can help most youngsters become proficient readers. It is natural for children to enjoy reading. They should be challenged with high-level reading materials. Every student has a special reading style that develops at different times and rates. Successful programs are…

Discusses the use of hypermedia to accommodate students' individual learning differences and to help students develop complex learning skills to acquire complex knowledge. Examines 10 research studies that investigated interaction between students' learning skills and their use of different forms of instruction. (Author/LRW)

After informally studying his first grade class, a teacher tentatively concluded that some students are phonetic learners and some are not. A faster method of identifying phonetic and nonphonetic learners is needed. No study that fails to consider differences in learning styles can possibly yield valid results except by chance. (MLH)

The paper reviews research studies on individual differences in students' predispositions to learning either in quiet or with sound. One study with 64 sixth graders found students achieved higher standardized reading test scores and had better attitudes when taught in congruent, rather than incongruent, environments. (DB)

Suggests that the effectiveness of specific teaching approaches may be highly dependent on individual learning styles. Reviews issues related to matching teaching and learning styles and identifies ways in which style information can be used to enhance instruction. (SK)