Researchers assessed geographic literacy in 300 college students, comparing a variety of demographic and academic factors to levels of geographic literacy. Findings reveal weak relationships between some of the academic factors and geographic competence. However, very powerful relationships are evident between geographic literacy and race, age,…

Test taking and scoring are examined from the normative and descriptive perspectives of judgment and decision theory. The number-right scoring rule is endorsed because it discourages omissions and is robust against variability in respondent motivations, item vagaries, and limitations in judgments of uncertainty. (SLD)

Survey of therapeutic recreation professionals' attitudes toward persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and knowledge of AIDS found no significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes but a positive relationship between attendance at workshops and knowledge. Professionals who knowingly cared for persons with AIDS expressed…

The use of case-control methodology as an applied policy/planning research tool in assessing the potential effectiveness of behavioral interventions is studied in connection with diarrhea control in Zaire. Results with 107 matched pairs of children demonstrate the importance of hygiene-related knowledge and the utility of the research approach.…

Examined knowledge about medicines and perceived benefit among 101 children, ages 7 and 10. Found that medicine knowledge was explained using age, educational environment, and degree of internal locus of control as significant predictors. The negative effect of internal locus of control predicted perceived benefit. Retention of drug advertising…

To test the language experience hypothesis, the comprehension of high-, moderate-, and low-familiarity idioms was examined in 24 African-American and 24 European-American fifth graders. Results indicated a significant effect of group on idioms rated as low-familiarity. The influence of social and regional culture on idiom comprehension is…

Reviews the results of a study that compares the current number of qualified counselor-education faculty candidates with the number of candidates in 1993, as well as the average number of faculty per department. Information regarding specialty area, ethnicity, degrees and experience level, rank and tenure-track status, and the ordinal rank of the…

When their transitions are self-determined, students are more committed to the process, take greater ownership for its outcomes, and adjust to their new situations in more personally meaningful and lasting ways. Describes a model for self-determination and five lessons to be used to help at-risk youth learn this important skill. (Author/MKA)

Utilizes a quasi-experimental descriptive approach to assess college students' knowledge, behavior, and attitudes regarding HIV home testing kits. Results show that students' opinions were equally divided on preference for HIV homes testings, belief in accuracy of home tests, and willingness to use home tests. Cost, confidentiality, and anonymity…

High school students in Taiwan with disabilities (N=1204) were compared with nonhandicapped adolescents (N=754) on their sexual knowledge, attitudes, and experiences. Although the nonhandicapped students were most knowledgeable and demonstrated the most positive attitudes toward sexuality, the hearing-impaired group were the most sexually…

Examined whether indexes of verbal imprecision could be quantified and used to predict changes in fifth graders' problem-solving performance. Found that four types of verbal imprecision predicted improved performance: false starts and self-repairs, deletions, long pauses, and metacognitive comments. Results suggested that adopting a new approach…

Examines the dimensions of environmental quality and socioeconomic concern among residents of a small but spatially and demographically dynamic city in southern Africa. Environmental quality issues compete with socioeconomic concerns for people's attention, and the issues are more recognized by better-educated and well-off residents. Concludes…

Current reform documents in mathematics education recommend that teachers help students develop both conceptual and procedural understandings; however, teachers often do not possess the in-depth mathematical reasoning abilities necessary to accomplish this goal. Describes one way in which preservice teachers can come to better understand the…

Illustrates how graphing calculators can be used to address the knowledge and skills promoted by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and other educational organizations. Focuses on plotting capability and facilitating various types of data and information analysis. (CMK)

Examined correlates of parents' knowledge about their children's daily experiences. Found between- and within-family differences as a function of mothers' work involvement, sibling composition, and children's and adults' personal qualities. Fathers knew more when mothers worked longer hours. Parents knew more about younger than older offspring.…