An overview of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS) is provided. Section one describes the research design for the base-year and first through third followup surveys. Section two summarizes findings from data analyses of the first followup and base-year, completed before September 1975. The findings are presented…

This study investigated the relative importance of the major factors associated with the habit of reading or nonreading. Some 2,731 seventh-grade students were the subjects of the study; from these, 487 were identified as either readers or nonreaders, and, from this group, 22 students were selected for additional in-depth case studies. From over…

In order to determine the variables which influence children's choice of books, 52 second-grade students from one elementary school were selected and interviewed. Twenty books, which circulated most frequently among second-grade children, were designated "high preference"; another 20, randomly selected from 634 books which were borrowed only once,…

While many studies have predicted elementary school achievement, few have investigated both cognitive and biographical predictors simultaneously in a multiple regression format. The present study used both types of variables in predicting achievement over a 20 month span. Criterion variables consisted of Stanford Achievement Test subscores, and a…

The three-year impact of a remedial arithmetic program on eligible St. Louis Public School pupils was investigated. Hypotheses were tested through multiple linear regression models for analyses of covariance. No treatment effects were found. The study reveals that changes in future program evaluation designs are needed. (Author/JKS)

Examined the influence of age, social class, and maternal employment on changes in nutrition knowledge and dietary quality following a nutrition education program for 10- to 13-year-olds. Results indicated that nutrition knowledge but not dietary quality were increased by the program. (JAC)

Examined the relationship of attitude toward science, spatial ability, mathematical ability, and scientific personality (measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) on the achievement of eighth-grade students (N=98). One finding noted is that males and females with science grades of C or D had the most characteristics not associated with science.…

This study investigated the cognitive abilities, cognitive styles, and student demographic characteristics that predicted learning of computer programing in small groups; the group process variables that predicted learning of computer programing; and the student characteristics that related to group processes. Different profiles of abilities…

Investigated the relationship of self-concept, parental influence, race, sex, and socioeconomic status to occupational aspirations and expectations and career maturity in 259 10th graders. Black students seemed to have aspirations and expectations similar to whites but less career maturity. Parent influence was an important predictor for all…

With support from the William T. Grant Foundation, Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) is conducting a research study on the factors associated with whether children and youth participate in out-of-school time (OST) programs and activities. Building on our previous work, we are using national data to examine the many factors and contexts in…

This study investigated how transfer from marital conflict affects parents' ability to regulate their children's negative affect displays and how these parent responses impact their children's academic and social adjustment. In addition, the study examined whether parents' gender is associated with parents' reactions to their children's negative…

This study examines why some young men and women choose military service as well as what factors lead to successful enlisting among those who choose military service. It examines these questions using cross-sectional and longitudinal panel survey data from large nationwide samples of high school seniors, many of whom were followed into young…

A recent article by Prawat and Jarvis (1980) reported a lack of support for the hypothesis that teachers' perceptions of students are sex-biased. A closer inspection shows the interpretation of multiple regression analysis is inaccurate. More satisfactory interpretations are considered. (Author/PN)

A study examined the effects of two factors--learner ability and modifications of instruction through increased feedback and reduced size of instructional units--on the time required for learning and the retention of fourth-grade male students. While instructional modifications best predicted the time needed for learning, learner ability best…

Investigated behavioral differences between high- and low-achieveing inner-city children (N=136) using the academic engaged time model. Findings suggested that high- and low-achieving inner-city children spend a large proportion of time engaged in academic tasks, with high achievers spending somewhat more time than low achievers. (WAS)