Uses factor analysis of occupational skill characteristics to derive cognitive and noncognitive dimensions of occupational differentiation. The dimensions are discussed in relation to occupational labor theories. Regression analyses of these dimensions suggest that complexity is the most important determinant of socioeconomic status and prestige.…

A test of basic knowledge in statistics was developed to predict performance in a graduate level statistics course for psychology students. Test scores plus GRE scores were used to predict final exam performance in a graduate statistics course. The devised test predicted performance moderately well. (RD)

Suggests specific reading strategies for college level learners based on a thorough analysis of how successful college readers handle difficult text. (AEA)

Describes an outplacement training program conducted in a small group format with the option of individual follow-up counseling sessions. Program elements discussed include lecture topics, inventory of skills, job search activities, individual counseling, participant attitudes, and recommendations. (CT)

Reports the development and validation of a questionnaire designed to assess reflective skills, the Counselor Response Questionnaire (CRQ). CRQ, designed for measuring skills of beginning counselors, differentiates trainees with some reflective skills from those who have little. Internal consistency is good. Validity data are encouraging.…

The compound nature of Gagne's original definition of learning hierarchies leads to two methods of validation, the positive and negative methods. Sections of a hierarchy that had been validated by the negative method were subjected to test by the more cumbersome positive method, and again were found to be valid. (Author/RD)

Explores those characteristics of telephone counselor communication most likely to be associated with positive caller outcomes when the caller's problem involved both practical and emotional concerns. Results show that the more helpful counselors were more verbally active, took the initiative to structure the interview, and explored all aspects of…

This assessment of the reliability and validity of skills analysis programs within curriculum-based measurement (CBM), with various groups of handicapped and nonhandicapped youngsters, indicated that the skills analysis programs in spelling and math provided consistent information that related well to the primary graphed CBM scores. (Author/JDD)

Discussion of instructional systems development (ISD) focuses on recent developments in cognitive task analysis and describes the Integrated Task Analysis Model, a framework for integrating cognitive and behavioral task analysis methods within the ISD model. Three components of expertise are analyzed: skills, knowledge, and mental models. (96…

Considers how human performance technologists (HPTs) can move toward the hard science, or management, arena of an organization. Topics include measuring meaningful outcomes to quantify performance improvements; measurable criteria for workers; essential skills for HPTs; dropping ineffective programs; and defining interventions. (LRW)

Investigates perception by manipulating the requirement to discriminate between kinesthetic stimuli and the translation process by manipulating stimulus-response compatibility. Results indicated that the kinesthetic reaction time of clumsy children was found to be longer than that of controls. Claims that the findings may indicate that clumsiness…

Qualitative and quantitative measures were utilized to explore the abilities of 11 young children nominated by their parents as gifted. Characteristics nominated by parents as indicators of their child's giftedness were consistent with indicators in the research literature and were generally supported by norm-referenced test results and teacher…

Discusses how to be a change agent in business information services. Considers the necessity for innovation; personal characteristics needed to cope with and initiate change; understanding the structure of the organization; support needed to succeed; and necessary skills, including communication. (LRW)

The current study investigated the discreet task completion hypothesis presented by C. H. Skinner (2002) by investigating how the rate of interspersing affects performance on and preferences for academic assignments. Specifically, 70 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students were presented with four assignment pairs of multiplication problems.…

Current business and educational environments are mandating the identification, building, and assessment of specific critical competencies for the workforce. However, traditional approaches to competency analysis are often slow, expensive, and backward looking. This article presents several new computer-aided approaches to competency analysis and…