Points out controversial aspects of Piagetian theory and indicates ways subsequent articles in the special issue address or are related to those concerns. (RH)

Despite much effort by scholars, the definition of play remains a problem. Observers of preschool children tend to rate constructive activities as play; this has implications for play criteria. Types of play recorded may be appreciably affected by the time frame of observations and the use or lack of supplementary interviews. (RH)

Identifies some sources of theoretical confusion in the field of human development and some ways to think about this confusion. Calls for a reorientation of researchers' perspectives toward themselves and those whom they study. (PCB)

Reports aspects of a case study of educational politics relating to early childhood education in California. Confirms the complex and political nature of evaluation and lists evaluation dilemmas played out in the policy arena. (RH)

Reviews some findings obtained through comparisons of dyslexic readers with nondyslexic readers matched by chronological or reading age. Notes some of the problems and pitfalls associated with this approach. Explores the potential of other group comparisons when examining sources of reading difficulty, and discusses individual differences within…

Reviews the Piagetian description of the stages of development of children's drawings, points out the influence of task demands on drawing performance, and asserts need for a new theory. An alternative framework is discussed and recent research illustrating the alternate theory and methodology is reviewed. (Author/RH)

Examines the efforts to find effective ameliorative measures for literacy difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, focusing on noneducational techniques found in holistic medicine, complementary therapies, and nutritional supplements. Maintains that dyslexia has become big business for drug companies and that the appropriate research regarding…

Discusses an effort to critically evaluate research relevant to the education of children under five. The effort involved a report on the implications of the research for policy, practice, and further research. (Author/BB)

Critically reviews the influential study "Malnutrition and Environmental Enrichment" by Winick et al. (1975) and highlights what are considered to be statistical flaws in its analysis. Data in the classic study of height, weight, and IQ changes in three groups of adopted, malnourished Korean girls are reanalysed and conclusions…

Reviews the literature on implications of caregiver-parent relationships for children in daycare and at home. Finds that choices in day care are not randomly distributed across families; family and daycare characteristics tend to covary. Longitudinal studies, studies in noncenter settings, and studies of the child's influence on parent caregiver…