Gives the dictionary definition of "communications," and then suggests that communications is the last act in the process of public relations. Presents hypothetical situations to show that PR is the final implementation step in a management process rather than just "communications." Argues that some companies, however, use…

Questions whether ethical behavior within field of career services and employment can be defined and, if defined, whether professionals can follow its principles in their practices. Seeks to clarify concept of ethics and to distinguish ethical from legal. Includes figures that illustrate the relationship of principles to ethical standards, sources…

The literature reveals two flawed approaches to mentoring: (1) popular consensus, in which each group defines mentoring for itself; and (2) the continuum approach, a range of professional patronage relationships. A more comparative approach across occupations may elicit themes and cross-disciplinary ideas to improve practice. (SK)

This descriptive study compared 13 definitions of humor and 11 theories of humor as related to creativity. It found two core definitional themes (integration and incongruity) and three core theoretical categories (play/spontaneity, release/relief, and incongruity/unexpected relationships). Tables provide comparative analyses of definitions and…

Discusses the difference between skills, values, and personality traits and competencies. Defines competency as a cluster of related knowledge, attitudes, and skills that affects a major part of ones job; correlates with performance; can be measured; and can be improved. (JOW)

Asserts that typological thinking, the belief that individual differences diverge around an underlying type of essence, has persisted regarding mental retardation and prevents the appreciation of individual differences and human dignity in the mental retardation field. Past and present controversies over the definition of mental retardation are…

Summarizes the points made by M. Scriven and adds some evaluative comments by the present author. Scriven's notion of minimalist evaluation is given a strong "thumbs-up," but his definition of evaluation receives a "thumbs-down" for not standing up to close scrutiny. The checklist methodology Scriven proposes is endorsed enthusiastically. (SLD)

Presents a broad definition of "testlet" and suggests a framework for classifying types of testlets. Considers several issues that bear on the conceptualization of testlets and analyses of scores from tests composed of testlets. Suggests some research topics that seem particularly important to advancing the meaningful and appropriate use…

The term child sexual abuse has never been unequivocally defined, which inhibits research, treatment, and advocacy. Early researchers used broad, inclusive definitions that are still used today. Discusses the consequences of these definitions, suggesting strategies for reducing definitional ambiguity (e.g., allowing the definition of child sexual…

This paper considers changing concepts of what mental retardation is, its causes, and prevention in the context of the 1992 definition of the American Association on Mental Retardation. A format to improve the designation of etiology and to relate etiology to prevention and support is offered. (Author/DB)

Metaanalysis of health literature compared definitions of spirituality in occupational therapy discourse with other fields. It was concluded that the central goal of evidence-based occupational therapy practice should be formation of occupational identity, while respecting and understanding the personal meaning of spirituality to the client.…

This paper introduces a concept of differentiability for functions in several variables which has a very natural definition and shares all the properties one expects of a notion of differentiability, but is shown to be weaker than the usual concept of differentiability defined as local linearizability. The exact connection between the two…

Childhood is a unique and critical stage of life. All children share the same basic needs for safety, health, nurturance, and dignity. The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is committed to supporting children's development; respecting individual differences; helping children learn to live and work cooperatively; and…

In this article we attempt to complicate traditional--and, we argue, limited and exclusionary--definitions of interdisciplinarity as the bringing into dialogue of established disciplines without questioning the parameters and practices of those disciplines. We propose that interdisciplinarity instead might mean teaching and learning among,…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine semantic and lexical aspects of word learning over time. Method: Thirty-four 8-year-olds participated in vocabulary lessons for 2 weeks. Frequency of exposure and informativeness of semantic context were manipulated. A definition task assessed semantic learning and a naming task assessed lexical…