Female adolescents were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=29), which received nutrition instruction, and a no-treatment control group (n=20). In the experimental group, nutrition knowledge increased significantly, calcium and vitamin D intake increased, and mean intakes for calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus were closer to the…

The claim that knowledge alone accounts for variance of memory and development (MAD) is critiqued. Topics include the movement toward a knowledge-based view of MAD and problems with this approach; data suggesting that domain-independent strategies influence MAD; and evidence for a domain-independent tool of developmental import. (SLD)

Determines whether content knowledge influences conversational participation when native speakers (NS) interact with nonnative speakers (NNS), and investigates whether native speakers tend to participate more actively than nonnative speakers in these interactions. Conversations from 45 NS-NNS pairs are analyzed and discussed. (46 references) (GLR)

The author of EC 606 782 reflects on aspects of the elaborative interrogation strategy evaluated with high achieving fifth- and sixth-grade students, noting the importance of an extensive knowledge base for using this strategy and the likelihood that the strategy is inappropriate for low achievers. (Author/DB)

Assessed children's evaluations of individuals' commands and children's choices between individuals who gave opposing commands. Subjects weighted individuals' social position and knowledge more heavily than adult status in judging the legitimacy of commands and choosing between individuals giving opposing commands. (BC)

Compares preschool and first grade children's ability to make three types of inferences: script-based inferences, invited inferences, and logical inferences. Finds preschoolers better able to make script-based inferences and first graders better able to draw script-based and invited inferences. Suggests that children's ability to draw inferences…

Discussions with 27 focus groups of third to sixth graders revealed a high level of AIDS awareness and correct knowledge about transmission and prevention. Many had difficulty explaining causation and overestimated numbers of children possibly affected. Misconceptions were more prevalent in lower grades. (SK)

Assessed level of knowledge among female inmates about child development and child behavior management and tested effectiveness of parenting education curriculum. Findings revealed that women entering the reformatory had inadequate knowledge about child development/behavior management. Participation in parenting education program resulted in…

Three studies involving 198 undergraduates asked to construct mathematics word problems show that inferred semantic relations between objects help people decide when and how to apply their abstract formal knowledge of mathematics. The same mechanism that mediates analogical reasoning leads to interpretive content effects in reasoning about word…

Two studies examined young children's knowledge of letters' sounds and names and preschoolers' ability to learn various sound-letter mappings. Findings indicated that an important determinant of letter-sound knowledge is whether the sound occurs in the name of the letter, and its location. Children used knowledge of letters' names when learning…

This study compared the retention patterns obtained for children diagnosed with phonological disorders, 10 with developmental apraxia of speech and 10 with phonologically based speech areas. In both groups, in cases of sound substitutions, voicing was retained most frequently and place of articulation least frequently. An inverse relationship…

Estimations based on data from Morocco determined that mothers' health knowledge appears to be the crucial skill in child health. Such knowledge is primarily obtained outside the classroom, although literacy skills acquired in school may have been used in obtaining the knowledge. (SK)

Professional groups identified as "gatekeepers" who might serve as first line of assistance for distressed young people were surveyed (N=219). Low levels of knowledge about suicide risk were found. Educational efforts directed at risk identification and prevention, attitudinal issues, and communication with young suicidal people are…

Compared the level of nutrition knowledge of low- and higher-income American consumers with children, and their nutrition attitudes and practices. Found that both groups had Body Mass Indexes above the range of a healthy weight, but that low-income participants were less likely to know nutrition specifics such as diet/disease relationships or…

Clarifies the characteristics of participatory research that distinguish it from other forms of research aimed at generating action. Discusses the role of ordinary people in motivating and sustaining research efforts, the nature of the knowledge generated, and the social-change mechanism embedded in participatory research. (Author/CCM)