The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to understand psychological help-seeking intention for 3 common concerns: anxiety or depression, career choice concerns, and alcohol or drug use. Eight hundred eighty-nine university students completed surveys for the TPB variables plus belief in personal efficacy and control to solve the problems.…

This paper reports on a study of the administrative behavior of school principals made through direct observation and a set of unique categories. Study objectives were to describe (1) the sources of principals' problems, (2) the principals' initial reactions to problem stimuli, (3) the patterns of principals' decisionmaking, (4) the premises…

The purpose of this paper is to propose a process which will assist the student in formulating defensible moral decisions. (Author/RK)

Explains how the process of creating a database provides opportunities for business instructors to use teaching strategies that promote higher-order thinking skills. Describes a project at a school of business in which each student must build an original database and apply functions of tables, queries, forms, and reports. (JOW)

Two studies examined certain discrepancies which have been considered important evidence in support of interpersonal comparison (value-adherence) explanations of group induced shifts in choice. (Editor)

Identifies six needs assessment procedures applied in educational and other organizations, provides examples of how each is used, and discusses the relationship of needs assessment to problem solving. Kaufman's Outcomes Model is described and the Organizational Elements Model is presented as a pragmatic approach to contemporary decision making and…

This paper discusses the incorporation of heuristics in computerized decision aids that are used for structuring decision problems. Decision theory is described in terms of linked subsystems, and sites where it is necessary to employ heuristic rather than normative, algorithmic procedures are identified. Production systems are then used to…

This paper describes a study that compared the use of consensual, nominal, and conventional decision-making techniques in established and ad hoc groups. The impact of the structural interventions on group decision quality and group attitudes is examined and the appropriateness of the techniques in various situation is discussed. Findings of the…

Article investigated the amount of information that could be used in making decisions and communicating. College students were part of an experiment, which measured information with information-theoretic concepts. (Author/RK)

Presents findings from study of design activities among 26 novice instructional designers which investigated prevalence of initial generation of more than one design solution; basis on which solutions are accepted or rejected; constraints encountered in proceeding with design; way in which designers know design is finished. Twelve references are…

The study attempts to specify and verify the decisionmaking processes utilized by groups when faced with a multistage rating task. It is also designed to upgrade group efficacy by introducing some procedural guidelines which group members are asked to follow in resolving differences. This "structured" intervention encourages members to…

After experiencing a drop in enrollment of over 25 percent in 10 years, the Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools instituted a decentralization program. The program gives local schools greater autonomy, places greater emphasis on the principal's leadership role, and depends for some decision-making on Local School Advisory Committees (LSACs) composed…

Describes decision-aiding software, Policy/Goal Percentaging (P/G%), that can process a set of controversial alternatives when used with microcomputer-aided instruction. The benefits and objectives of microcomputer use are discussed, and applications of the software to problems in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities…

This study compared the efficiency (time) and accuracy of two representations of instructional algorithms--list versus flow chart--for the task of using indexes to search for document numbers in the U.S. Documents Monthly Catalog. Participants were 55 undergraduates and 5 adults at the Virginia Military Institute. Two sets (flow charts and lists)…

A research study summary based on a dissertation entitled "Worker Perceptions Of Skills Necessary For Survival in the World of Work" is presented. A list of 27 basic occupational survival skills was developed representing the following areas: interpersonal relations and communications; personal characteristics; decision making and…