In experiments on individual differences in learning, knowledge prerequisites and learning strategies have been shown to be important factors. The author questions whether learning optimization should rely on direct measures from outside the learner or should elucidate and strengthen the individual's capacity for learning decisions. He proposes to…

The understanding of students between the ages of 16 and 18 about the ozone layer--what it is, what will damage it, and what will be the likely result of such damage--was studied through a closed-form Likert type questionnaire. The authors explain that although most of the students seem well informed about the nature of the ozone layer, some…

The patterns of use of computer-based communication technologies in knowledge synthesis are described by looking at the way groups use the technology for efforts that have at least some qualities of knowledge synthesis. A chart of basic options for communication through computers is provided, showing the generic class of systems, examples of…

This paper discusses a survey undertaken to determine conceptions of psychology held by college students in an introductory social science course. Twenty-nine students were queried at the beginning of the course regarding the open-ended question, "If Esso garages were to invite a psychologist to improve the efficiency of petrol pump attendants,…

In this study of how children select content to use in producing stories, the information children knew about three problem-solving situations was compared to the information they included in their stories about these situations. Twenty children at each of three age levels (6, 9, and 12 years) were interviewed individually. Within each age group,…

The study involving 100 police officers, 75 lawyers, and 35 judges was designed to investigate and analyze the criminal justice system (CJS) personnel's understanding of mental retardation and the mentally retarded (MR) offender. Among findings obtained from responses to questionnaires were the following: 65% of the respondents indicated they…

Forty-four education and 44 dental students were administered a 30-item syllogism test containing five syllogic forms six times repeated in three different content forms--technical dental terms, common dental terms, and content-free (letters). Data were analyzed using a two-factor with repeated measures on one factor design. It was found that…

This study analyzes the impact on earnings of human-capital obsolescence, human-capital deterioration, unstructured on-the-job learning, and structured on-the-job learning. The study defines these four concepts, discusses their determinants, and analyzes the market mechanics by which each influences earning rates. A model is developed and adapted…

This is a study of drug abuse attitudes and knowledge in "Middle America". A random sample of teachers, parents, police, mental health clinic workers, ministers, and high school students (both drug users and non-users) were interviewed and tested to ascertain their attitudes and knowledge regarding drugs. The findings are that drug users, in…

An example is used to illustrate the four levels: rote, observational, insightful, and formal. (MP)

This discussion of the results from the probability questions of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) identifies probability as an area of serious concern. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

The Adult Performance Level Test, a minimum competency test developed by the Texas Department of Education, measures student skill and knowledge levels in competencies necessary for successful living in a modern society. (MJB)

Research has generally found instruction effective in raising student cognitive levels, but only inconsistently effective in producing behavior change. The authors urge that health education programs be developed in a manner reflective of the supportive behavior change research. (MJB)