Two experiments that study subjects' memory for active and passive sentences are reported. A reaction time methodology is used to measure subjects' memory for verbatim information about the sentence. Retention of verbatim information displays traditional short-term versus long-term discontinuity. (CHK)

The Bransford and Franks paradigm for the study of semantic integration is called into question. Three experiments are described that test the hypothesis that this paradigm produces its results by creating confusion and interference. The results call for continued search for a paradigm relative to the study of integration. (AMH)

A description of four experiments confirming the theory that recall of a given item from a semantically categorized list is impaired by the presence of other items from this same category. This inhibitory effect of part-set "cuing" is interpreted here as a cue-overload effect. Selected references are included. (AMH)

An educational psychologist discusses the problems children encounter in comprehending the written word. (JD)

An age-related decline in performance is typically observed in research on tasks that rely on cognitive processing. However, such declines must not be accepted as indisputable evidence that the learning efficiency of older adults is necessarily impared. A number of noncognitive factors also mitigate against optimal performance in the aged. (Author)

Discusses the superiority of information processing (IP) theory to stimulus-response theory, specifically in terms of language comprehension, language production, and the role of memory. (KM)

Experiment I studied type of processing (semantic or nonsemantic) and dimension of rating (pleasantness or frequency of occurrence). Recall was higher under semantic conditions and after ratings of pleasantness. Experiment 2 showed that the difference between incidental and intentional learners increases as more stress is placed on the learning…

An attempt was made to identify comparable subjective subsequences in the serial learning of a prose passage and to examine the relationship of such organizational encodings to the variable of structural importance. Results of serial learning and free recall indicated learners associatively organized individual prose subunits into subjective…

Levels of processing were manipulated as a function of acquisition task and type of recognition test in three experiments. Experiment I showed semantic acquisition to be superior to rhyme acquisition given a standard recognition test, whereas rhyme acquisition was superior given a rhyming recognition test. Results are interpreted and discussed.…

Presents a framework for analyzing academic tasks based on task conceptions formulated in cognitive psychology and research on classroom interaction. Using this framework, an analysis of a single task in a high school English class is presented. Issues raised by the study are addressed. (CJH)

With a knowledge of students' thinking processes, activities advisers and leaders can design environments for maximum learning and development. An interpretation of Perry's model of intellectual and ethical development is provided. (MLW)

Examines findings of scientists and educators who have studied whole brain processes as a means of learning new information and skills. Applies this research to the classroom. (SRT)

Writing is perhaps the most important way of learning about literature because it has the capacity to draw on all other modes of learning. (DF)

Describes four experiments to show that the effects of item-specific and relational encoding emphasis on recall vary with the retrieval context for both young children and adults. (HOD)

Second-grade children were explicitly supplied with zero, one, two, or three components of information to specify the respective contributions of various sources and amounts of acquired strategy-utility information. Metacognitive knowledge was evidenced only when the training regiment included the complete set of critical metacognitive components.…