Ability of five cognitive characteristics to predict students' (N=96) achievement of evolution and natural selection concepts was measured. Results, among others, indicate that disembedding ability, prior knowledge, and evolutionary belief were significantly related to achievement while developmental level and mental capacity were not. (JN)

Reexamined the NORC Happiness Scale based on a survey of 1400 urban and nonurban elderly. Results indicated a high proportion of urban elderly were bored, depressed, and lonely as well as proud, excited, and interested. Their apparent inconsistent feeling states may result from a general feeling of deprivation. (Author)

The relationship between select Massachusetts classroom teacher background variables and aspects of teacher burnout was examined. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) served as the dependent variables. Sex, age, and grade level taught related significantly to one or…

Concludes that greater attention must be paid to program evaluation, differential treatment models must be identified that address sequence of treatment within a semester and across several semesters, and reading research must be reconceptualized along the lines of retention research if college reading instruction is to be effective. (FL)

An extension of Tinto's model of the college dropout process was tested with freshmen at an Australian university. The college entrance examination was a relatively valid predictor of whether students will pass, achieve honors, or fail or withdraw. Nonintellective factors were not valid predictors of academic progress. (Author/BW)

Surveyed school professionals with a variety of psychology and education roles. Identified variables that could capture 75 percent of the variance associated with their desire to work with special education adolescents. Variables included perceptions of quality of special education training, age, sex, and attitudes toward special need adolescents.…

Reviews studies that use the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) with delinquents and criminals. Studies illustrate the ability of the CPI to measure: (1) personality differences; (2) personality typologies and classifications; (3) personality variables that predict future criminal or asocial behavior; and (4) the historical development of…

Identified the relationships of race and socioeconomic status (SES) to observed classroom behavior, academic achievement, and special education referral. Systematically selected and observed 109 fourth-grade Anglo, Black, and Hispanic boys from varying SES backgrounds, for 12 behaviors. Multivariate analyses found no race-related differences in…

Studied 489 cases of child abuse and neglect to determine specific patterns of family circumstance which tended to be present in families in which abandonment, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse had been substantiated. Findings indicated that different kinds of abuse are related to different antecedent variables. (Author)

Examines the predictive accuracy of expressed versus measured interests over a 21-year period, using as a criterion occupational membership at age 36. Found expressed interests slightly better predictors. Supplementary analyses revealed no relationship between the extent to which interests corresponded to age 36 occupations and job satisfaction.…

The degree to which it is possible to identify, from data in their cumulative folders, students likely to fail a high school competency test is investigated. Results indicated that some predictor variables could be used to identify those likely to fail Senior High Assessment of Reading Progress and the Test of Proficiency in Computational Skills.…

A factor analysis of the Children's Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale was conducted with a biracial sample of children over a wide age range. Three factors (personal control and helplessness, achievement and friendship, and luck) had sufficient item loadings to be interpretable. (Author/GK)

This investigation demonstrates the validity of the Sheppard School Entry Screening Test (SSEST) as an early indicator of reading problems. This screening device provides good predictability across the entire range of reading ability and is particularly effective at forecasting the poorest readers. (Author/AL)

Proposes five rules to help job interviewers elicit data useful in predicting job performance. Rules include: developing critical job requirements; indirect exploration of job requirements; collecting data revealing motivated work behavior (such as candidate's self-reported enjoyable achievement experiences); and summing up data. (RC)

Assessed the relationships between a life satisfaction index and social/demographic/psychological factors in older adults. Results showed marital status, occupational prestige, years of formal education, race, annual income, and a variety of specific satisfaction with life measures were related to successful aging. (Author)