This report validates a novel quantitative methodology for analyzing moment-to-moment interactions in classrooms called the Poisson Process Methodology (PPM). PPM differs from moment-to-moment qualitative and quantitative analyzes typically used in education by using time-series data to quantify the degree to which the presence of facilitator…

The variables of abstraction and facetiousness possess stimulus properties which allow accurate prediction of their respective effects on small group communication processes. Relationships between specific levels of abstraction and facetiousness and feedback in problem-solving discussions are determinant interactions. Design and methodology of…

The author discusses moral behavior and affect, and how they may influence reasoning processes when the individual is no longer dealing with hypothetical issues. (MJB)

A model for processes of abstraction, based on epistemic actions, has been proposed elsewhere. Here we apply this model to processes in which groups of individual students construct shared knowledge and consolidate it. The data emphasizes the interactive flow of knowledge from one student to the others in the group, until they reach a shared…

Children's use of humor in hospital settings and ways hospital personnel might encourage positive uses of humor are discussed in this paper. Three questions are raised: (1) How is humor viewed in hospitals treating children? (2) How can developmental psychology help us understand children's humor? (3) What implications does an understanding of…

A total of 100 second graders were pretested for conservation of length and weight. Fifty pairs were then formed, each pair consisting of one conserver and one nonconserver. During the second session, the children attempted to resolve their opposed answers on the conservation tasks and on two control questions as well. On both length and weight,…

This study examined the effect of grouping teachers and students by conceptual level (CL) upon the teachers' information handling behavior. Twenty secondary school teachers were divided into two groups of 10 HCL and 10 LCL teachers according to their scores of the Paragraph Completion Test. Forty pairs of sixth graders were formed, each pair…

Over the past several years, one study after another has uncovered a positive relationship between interpersonal interaction and individual achievement. According to a handful of these studies, interaction is more effective than are individually-based strategies for promoting reasoning. We give our attention here to the link that possibly exists…

The author discusses the reactions and feelings black participants in T-groups experience. He suggests that integration of intellectualizing with emotional expression and using a common simple language would provide a more productive experience for black participants in groups. (SE)

This study investigated the flexibility of 16 supervisors in implementing a developmental approach to supervisor-supervisee interaction during the postobservation conference. Specific objectives included determining: (1) if supervisors' diagnoses of supervisees' conceptual levels (CL) agreed with the Paragraph Completion Method (PCM) measurement…

This study investigates the pattern of teacher questioning regarding three elements: sequence, student respondent, and cognitive process. The rationale for this type of teaching rests on the claims for teaching students the process of critical (reflective) thinking. In this type of teaching it is necessary to have data before the students. Only…

Studies children's justification of message choices as characteristics of their reasoning processes. Indicates that interpersonal reasoning increases in sophistication and complexity over the age groups studied and that females reason at a higher level than males. Situational influences on level of interpersonal reasoning were also found. (JMF)

Middle and upper class 3- and 4-year-old children were exposed to three consecutive 5-week treatment conditions in the naturalistic setting of a half-day laboratory nursery school program. During the first treatment condition, the teacher emphasized low level cognitive questions; during the second, high level cognitive questions; and during the…

Found that increases in cognitive complexity and construct system abstractness significantly related to the use of (1) a greater number of persuasive strategies; (2) more listener-adaptive persuasive strategies; and (3) formation of more complex and abstract impressions of interaction partners. (PD)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive abstractness levels, interpersonal perception abilities, and task type (factual or social problem solving) on group performance as measured by time consumed and adequacy of solutions. Eighteen college classes from Kearney State College participated in testing of perceptual…