Although we have accumulated much factual data on environmental conditions, interrelationships, and consequences of actions, our decisions are based on political expediency, pressure, mob action, and emotion. Believing that decisions regarding the environment and pollution control are not technical but socioeconomic, crusaders have refused…

This report presents the results of research that examined widely diverse decision problems and attempted to specify their common behavior elements. To take into account the psychological complexity of most real-life decision problems, and to develop a tentative organization of decision behavior that will embrace the many, highly diverse types of…

Planning the menu for a dinner party, which involves problem-solving with a large body of knowledge, is used to study the daily operation of human memory. Verbal protocol analysis, a technique devised to investigate formal problem-solving, is examined theoretically and adapted for analysis of this task. (Author/MV)

The water jug task model was extended to four variations of the Missionaries--Cannibals river-crossing problem. Different cover stories resulted in large differences in number of illegal moves, but no difference in number of legal moves to solution. The three-stage process model explains both legal and illegal moves. (Author/GDC)

The concept of management by objectives can be applied to academic institutions. A continual process for identifying goals, defining individual responsibilities, and using agreed-on measurements as guides and assessment tools, MBO's basic thrust is to push the decision-making process down through the organization. (Author/LBH)

The use of mathematical models originally developed by economists and operations researchers is described for legal process research. Situations involving plea bargaining, arraignment, and civil liberties illustrate the applicability of decision theory, inventory modeling, and linear programming in operations research. (LBH)

This article outlines a model system for the use of supportive teachers working with students who have social, academic, and other problems that hamper their performance in the school environment. (JD)

Nine career groups totaling 47 college students completed the How Career Groups Work Questionnaire. Results indicate career group participants highly value change mechanisms involving expressing feelings, universality, cohesion, and taking responsibility for oneself. (CH)

Methods to help students develop the ability to plan, organize, and control are suggested. These include a simulation in which an office procedures class plans, organizes, and holds a meeting and involves such details as selecting and reserving rooms, scheduling speakers, preparing agendas, planning budgets, preparing name tags, and arranging a…

The influence of three variables on response to undecidability was studied: (1) dual- versus single-solution rules; (2) nature of the choice contrast, and (3) presence or absence of additional information to resolve the undecidability. Participants were college students and third, fourth, and fifth grade elementary school students. (RH)

Argues that management training is a cost-effective tool for improving company profit, innovation, and performance. Describes how large and small companies have implemented and used management training. (CH)

Analysis of two high school economics courses illustrates generalizations that could help guide design of other high school courses involving: (1) high-ability students; (2) introductory economic principles in high school courses; (3) personal and societal economic problems; (4) juniors' and seniors' interest in economics; and (5) emphasis on…

Because children are subjected to undesirable and confusing socialization messages from peer networks and the media, schools are now paying more attention to students' social development needs. To counter schools' hidden curriculum and help students cope with stress and avoid serious interpersonal difficulties, an eight-step Improving Social…

The author discusses the importance of the ability to think logically and solve problems with fundamental communication skills and with the ability to make decisions and adapt to change. Five thinking skills are examined: making decisions, planning and organizing, managing time, proofreading, and using proper language arts composition skills. (CT)

Presents a theoretical framework for environmental behavior prediction. Investigates the relative strength of eight variables in predicting responsible environmental behavior in a study using Sierra Club and Elderhostel participants. Identifies perceived skill in and knowledge of environmental action strategies and environmental sensitivity as…