Assesses the level of intellectual development in proportional, combinatorial, and correlational reasoning and the ability to control variables in beginning sophomore students (N=207) at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Compares this level with their performance on achievement tests in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. (CS)

Reports results supporting the theoretical rationale that there are certain cognitive skills, including data interpretation, identification of assumptions and hypotheses, and controlling of variables, that appear to be necessary for successful understanding of the heterotroph hypothesis, as presented in the BSCS Blue Version. Implications for…

Presents data on reasoning abilities of science and non-science majors at one private, liberal arts university. Indicates that most students taking physics are formal operational or into transition to formal reasoning and that six concrete operational students dropped the course. (JN)

Early childhood educators have long recognized the value of early socialization experiences provided by the peer group. Early peer experiences contribute to social development in that the importance of cooperating, sharing, and competing among equals is learned for the first time. (JN)

Discusses J. Piaget's concepts of assimilation and accommodations in relation to bilingual education. Suggests that age differences must be considered when planning such a program for Puerto Rican adolescents. Concludes that motivation, the usefulness of the second language, and identification with speakers of the language are key to second…

Investigated proportional reasoning abilities of 35 college science students using projection of shadows problem while presenting relevant only or relevant/irrelevant information. Field independence was measured using Group Embedded Figures Test. Students in relevant only condition performed significantly better. Degree of field independence…

This article discusses cognitive development research as it relates to social competence. Two research approaches are summarized: (1) attempts to isolate sequential stages in the development of social cognition, and (2) conceptualization of broad organizing principles hypothesized to mediate all social cognition. (Author/SJL)

Examines Kohlberg's proposition that both cognitive and perspective-taking development are necessary but not sufficient conditions for moral development by attempting to stimulate moral development. Results are interpreted as confirming Kohlberg's proposition. (RMH)

This study considers two problems related to cognitive development: "Is development hierarchical?" and "If so, what are the mechanisms involved in the process of development?" Analysis of the results of an experiment lead to differentiation of stages of development, and problem-solving strategies at each level are discussed.…

The new Rockefeller Foundation's Commission on the Humanities' report is discussed. Some of the commission's recommendations include: improved quality of elementary and secondary schools, strengthening of humanities research, reaffirmation within education of the values of the humanities, and closer collaboration of educational and cultural…

The Rational Thinking Group experience, based on cognitive restructuring exercises, significantly increased the self-concept of adolescent participants. In addition, the experience was effective in increasing scores on the behavior, anxiety, and happiness, and satisfaction scales. (Author)

Four groups of children (N=80; C.A. 6.6. to 12.5; M.A. 7.9 to 14.7) were tested for ability to reproduce five-element two- and three-dimensional patterns. Significant interaction and main effects were found. Three-dimensional pattern performance increased with age; all ages performed well on two-dimensional patterns. (Author/DB)

Third- and seventh-grade and college students were tested to assess developmental differences in improvement following contradiction training and to investigate whether improved performance transfers to other conditional reasoning tasks. Results showed age differences: college students improved and transferred performance, seventh graders…

The effectiveness of the Mother-as-Teacher home intervention program is examined. The goal of this program is to enhance lower socioeconomic status mothers' teaching style. The extent to which enhanced maternal strategies affect the cognitive performance is assessed. (JMF)

Army alpha longitudinal data on the same 96 males tested in 1919, 1950, and 1960 were analyzed in addition to data on 123 undergraduates tested in 1972-4. Young adults in 1919 and 1970 were similar. Results suggest that traditional factor analysis taxonomies for young adults misrepresent elderly persons. (Author/CP)