This study identifies critical elements of the front dive half-twist that judges are likely to look for when they score springboard diving competitions. Videotapes of divers at a 1979 intercollegiate diving meet were made and analyzed, using grid scoring procedures, to isolate components of the dives that would help predict judges' scores.…

Degrees of knowledge gain, attitude change, and implementation level were measured in 43 teachers who participated in an inservice program. Findings were then analyzed to determine if subgroups of teachers who developed different growth patterns in knowledge, attitude, and implementation were identifiable. (CJ)

Surveyed college admissions offices (N=236) to determine the current status and perceived usefulness of letters of recommendation. Results show 87% of respondents required or considered letters of recommendation. They were considered useful in revealing personal qualities, particularly of handicapped and minority applicants, which could offset…

Examined the athletic expectations of high school male athletes (N=386). Results showed that 36 percent of the Black starters and 14 percent of the White starters expected to become professional athletes, although other data indicate only 2 percent will succeed. Race and coaches' encouragement were significant predictors. (JAC)

Conducted a longitudinal analysis of life satisfaction scores of retirement community residents (N=91). Results revealed some change but initial and retest life satisfaction scores were highly correlated. Self-perceived health and not being neglected by friends, were significant predictors of initial life satisfaction but not of changes in life…

Surveyed teachers, school board members, superintendents, and elementary school principals to determine if there is congruence in their perceptions of the normative role of the principal. Results differed from Foskett's (1967) study in concluding that elementary school principals and the other groups perceive principals more as administrators than…

Surveyed 25 divorced mothers and their children to study divorce experiences and predictors of adjustment. Results showed mothers' positive adjustment was related to nontraditional sex role attitudes as well as personality traits including social maturity. Parental conflict and mothers' stress influenced children's social and psychological…

Assessed differences in cardiovascular reactivity between high and low life-stress students (N=26). Results indicated high life-stress individuals maintained their elevated stressor levels throughout recovery from a laboratory stressor, and showed significantly higher systolic recovery levels compared to the low stress group. (JAC)

Identified wives (N=56) of hemodialysis patients at risk for problems adapting to their husband's illness, and explored personality variables that might enhance coping. Results showed greater external locus of control was related to poorer adjustment, but greater internal locus of control was not related to better adjustment. (Author/JAC)

Among a cross-sectional sample of pupils of both sexes in Britain evidence showed accelerations in intellectual development at 7 and 16 years of age. Acceleration at the younger age is a new finding. Age, verbal IQ, teacher's estimate, and social class were all significant predictors of intellectual development. (Author/IS)

Examined female college students' (N=466) drug use, marihuana use in particular. Results indicated that the gap in marihuana usage patterns between females and males has substantially narrowed. Female marihuana users used other drugs quite extensively and had friends who use marihuana. Peer influence was a major factor in drug use. (JAC)

Administered the Brief Symptom Inventory to married residents (N=106) of a retirement community. Three scales (Anxiety, Interpersonal Sensitivity, and Paranoid Ideation) provided maximum separation between males and females. Concludes that with marital status, education, and health controlled, male and female elderly show distinct patterns of…

In an attempt to identify physiological factors that account for success in distance running, researchers evaluated relationships among ventilatory threshold, running economy, and distance running performance. Subjects were trained male runners with similar maximal aerobic power. (Authors/PP)

The long-range predictive and differential validities of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are investigated. Data from students (n=1284) who entered Jefferson Medical College from 1965 through 1974 were analyzed and supported the convergent and divergent validities of the SAT over an extended period of time. (Author/PN)