Explains how sociobiology can contribute to understanding of human behavior. Maintains that although sociobiology is not an exact paradigm of human behavior, it is more relevant than any other paradigm offered by the social sciences. (Author/DB)

The author discusses the problem of absolutist views in special education literature and points out lack of understanding about the capabilities of research on human behavior. (SBH)

Outlines how persons can lower their blood pressure and improve their general physical and psychological health through daily use of the "relaxation response." Describes a recent study on the effects of relaxation interaction on a group of corporate employees. (JG)

Emerging approaches for dealing with inappropriate behaviors of the disabled involve conducting a functional or structural behavior analysis to isolate the factors responsible for the aberrant behavior and implementing corrective procedures (often alternatives to punishment) relevant to the function of the inappropriate behavior. (Author/DB)

Addresses intensive study of individual subject, emphasizing development of appropriate designs and analytical procedures for single-subject research. Treatment times should be randomly assigned to treatments, creating randomization. The assumption of random sampling is not met in single-subject experiments, however, data from a randomized…

The article describes the potential impact of a prevention model on reducing unintentional childhood injuries. Following a review of major childhood injuries and related risk factors, the model, which borrows from prevention, behavioral, and community psychology frameworks, is elucidated. An example using fire emergency skills is offered.…

Shows that EEGs (electroencephalography) can be used to help screen for the presence of covert disease that may produce psychiatric depressive symptomatology, as well as to denote cerebral dysrhythmias that may directly influence suicidal behavior. The clinical EEG cannot effectively predict suicide attempt risk, nor can it reasonably guide…

Fundamental assumptions concerning the cause of learning disabilities are described and criticized. At a broader level, research and theory in three different paradigms are discussed: (1) neuropsychological; (2) information processing; and (3) applied behavior analysis. Four recommendations for future progress in the conceptualization and…

Addresses the problem of cruelty to animals from a research perspective. Studies of possible causes of childhood cruelty to animals are reviewed and common contributing environmental factors are identified. Implications for educators are discussed and directives for detection and prevention of cruelty are suggested. (ML)

Behavioral scientists are using established experimental methods to show that fetuses can and do learn. The methodology employed and results obtained from several studies are reported. (JN)

Evaluated differences between elderly subjects solicited by traditional, semitraditional, and nontraditional methods for a clinical trial of psychotherapy for unipolar depression. No significant differences were observed. Use of the media for subject recruitment may be especially beneficial in providing educational information to an elderly…

A review of the behavioral literature on self-injurious behavior reveals that few definitive conclusions can be made regarding etiology, maintenance, or treatment. Recent evidence suggests that more thorough assessments are required and that antecedent intervention may hold promise for treatment. (Author/CL)

A two factor theory of death anxiety is presented in this paper. It is suggested that degree of death anxiety is produced both by one's state of psychological health and by one's experiences regarding the topic of death. Treatment implications are discussed. (Author)

Examines the relationship between speech anxiety and the demographic variables of age, training, experience, sex, and birth order. (MH)

This paper examines the biophilia hypothesis put forth by E. O. Wilson, which asserts the existence of a fundamental, genetically-based human need and propensity to affiliate with other living organisms and lifelike processes. It reviews research by Wilson and others that supports the biophilia hypothesis, and examines some of the issues and…