This book explores some of the basic principles of behavior which have been derived from the study of operant conditioning and considers the phenomenon of sport in society in the light of these principles. First, some of the terms used in Skinnerian behavioral analysis are defined and explained. The second section examines the reinforcements…

Various research studies concerned with the feedback from proprioceptors which accompany movement and the way in which this information is relevant to the control of activity are brought together in this volume. It is intended for the use of those who have some basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as an acquaintance with…

Effects of logically weighting incorrect item options in conventional tests and different scoring functions with confidence tests on reliability and validity were examined. Ninth graders took conventionally administered Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning tests, scored conventionally and by a procedure assigning degree-of-correctness weights to…

A comparison of reliability and validity was made for three testing procedures: 1) responding conventionally to Verbal Ability and Mathematical Reasoning tests; 2) using a confidence weighting response procedure with the same tests; and 3) using the elimination response method. The experimental testing procedures were not psychometrically superior…

A new method of coding verbal interaction was applied to 52 interviews with adults in a general medical screening clinic. "Average interaction profiles" for patients and physicians were determined that give quantitative indices of crucial aspects of the physician-patient relationship, such as the manner in which information is transmitted.…

The rationale and development of a new measure of five methods of handling interpersonal conflict (competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accomodating), which attempts to control for the social desirability response bias is described. The instrument--the Management of Differences Exercise, or the MODE instrument--is briefly compared…

Presents guidelines for constructing tests which accurately measure a student's cognitive skills and performance in a particular course. The advantages and disadvantages of two types of test items are listed (selected response and constructed response items). Both poor and good examples are given and general rules for test item writing are…

How does a computer analyze the appropriateness of a language student's response? Issues arising in the development and use of language-learning software are discussed. (MSE)

Reviews the use of computers in the teaching and practice of writing in university courses. Highlights include hardware considerations; software options for grammar, punctuation, stylistic analysis, and prewriting (or invention) skills; artificial intelligence, composition, and literature; collaborative learning; and faculty development. (LRW)

Describes study conducted with U.S. Marine Corps enlisted personnel to measure response time to computer-administered questionnaire items, and to evaluate how measurement of response time might be useful in various research areas. Topics addressed include mood states; the occurrence of straight lining; and experimental effects of sleep loss and…

Explores teachers' perceptions of pupils' behavior problems at a comprehensive school in England. Identifies three main factors in problem behavior: aggressive and antagonistic personality traits, problems relating to difficulties in application to school work, and problems relating to difficulties with authority. Discusses the implications that…

Disputes that original data of Minuchin, Rosman and Baker (1978) support their assertions that some diabetic patients' physiological disturbance serves a function in their families. Concludes that their psychosomatic family model decontextualizes families, assigning to them characteristics more appropriately seen as reflections of the disease…

Asserts that, although providing educational programs and materials on acquaintance rape and prevention strategies is important, attention must also be given to victims. Discusses recognition of stress response pattern of victims suffering from Rape Trauma Syndrome and provision of appropriate referral and support services. Includes selected list…

An active role is recommended for family members involved in rehabilitation of cognitive communicative impairments of head-injured individuals. The paper discusses family systems theory, dysfunctional family reactions to the cognitive communicative behaviors of the head-injured member, and methods of assisting the family to develop the…

Fifty-one 10- to 16-year-old siblings of mentally retarded children were given the Family Relations Test and Rotter's Incomplete Sentence Test. Results indicated family dynamics were influenced by parent reaction to the handicapped child. Compared to controls, the siblings showed idealization of the mentally handicapped child and more conflicts…