Delineates the effect of attentional bias on preadolescents' dichotic listening performance by using four different types of stimulus material (words, digits, CV syllables, and melodies) under free recall and directed attention conditions. (HOD)

Evaluated interscorer reliability of the Spatial Memory subtest, which appears on the Simultaneous Processing scale of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Responses from 19 gifted children were scored by two independent examiners. Results showed this subtest may be prone to scoring errors because no permanent record of responses exists.…

The stability of standard score and probability method sociometric group assignments was examined over a two-year period with an initial group of 334 fifth graders. Popular, neglected, and controversial groups evidenced low stability of group members over intervals of approximately 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. (Author/RH)

Erickson's 1951 study of gender differences in preadolescents' play construction was replicated and expanded to correct for sex bias of materials. Erickson's finding of innate biological differences in the experience and perception of space was not confirmed. Instead, differences were attributed to the materials provided. (KH)

This study compared compliance rates in two exercise programs for children aged 8 to 14, one a well-structured program, the other a home running program prescribed by a pediatrician. The greater success of the first program was attributed to enthusiastic leadership, parental support, and feelings of accomplishment in the participants. (MT)

Discusses a study that examined the perceptions of school life among physically disabled students aged nine to twelve. Also discusses implications for designing more appropriate school environments for mainstreamed physically disabled students. (JOW)

Results of study of 256 adolescents and preadolescents randomly assigned to same-sex grade-level pairs in two social situations--a neutral situation and a "male-appropriate" athletic situation-- showed no differences between sexes in overall amount of touching or proxemics, though girls smiled significantly more often than males. (CMG)

The report of an intensive tour of 11 special summer programs for gifted and talented students includes descriptions of the National Music Camp, Interlochen, Michigan; National High School Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois; Governors programs (with a table giving information in 10 categories); and talent searches. (MC)

This guide is a starting point for parents, teachers, health professionals, law enforcement personnel, alcohol retailers, policymakers, and others who are concerned with the well-being of children. It describes three basic prevention strategies and ways they can be applied in the home, the school, and the community, and offers effective,…

To compete in the global information economy, young people today need literacy skills far more advanced than have been required of any previous generation. Strong reading, writing, and thinking skills are essential not only for success in school and the workplace, but also for participation in civic life. Yet many youth lack the requisite literacy…

One study of 9-12 year olds found that only girls showed toy preferences among a variety of sex typed and neutral toys, but that both sexes interacted differently with masculine and feminine toys. In another study, play constructions and stories reflected the gender association of toys provided, rather than child's sex. (AOS)

The effect of a season of little league baseball on the self-esteem of 94 pre-adolescent players was investigated. The Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory and a newly devised Baseball-Self scale were administered. Significant improvements in players' total Self-esteem, Home-Parents and School-Academic scores were found. (Author/PN)

Assesses the extent to which certain key behaviors said to involve perspective-taking (specifically, cognitive and affective perspective-taking, and altruism) were related to friendship as opposed to popularity. (Author/MP)

Examined the existence of friendship and friendship network characteristics among 227 fifth- and sixth-graders who differed in popularity status. Found that all children reported having at least one unilateral friend, while unpopular children were less likely than popular children to have at least one reciprocal friend. (MDM)

Two experiments examined theory of mind in middle childhood by examining changes in the organization of mental verbs of knowing. Found that older children and comprehension monitors placed greater emphasis on the certainty aspects of mental activity than did younger children and comprehension nonmonitors, suggesting that important aspects of a…