This collection of original papers addresses itself to issues both in research and theory in the education of children. The contributions are organized in four parts. Part One, on "Biogenetic Perspectives," offers an exposition of research dealing with the traditional nature-nurture problem, particularly as it impinges upon the issues of social class and racial differences in intelligence. In Part Two, three chapters dealing with the topic of "Basic Processes in Intellectual Development" delineate various specific processes whereby the home environment influences psychological development. Social factors that influence the disadvantaged pupil's will to learn are emphasized in Part Three, entitled "Social and Psychological Perspectives." The final section of the book, Part Four,"On the Education of the Disadvantaged," describes recent contributions of psychology to education, taking into account the overturning of the concept of fixed intelligence, and consideration of the importance, reportedly, of experiential factors in cognitive development. All the chapters in this final part discuss new or recently rediscovered approaches to the education of the disadvantaged. (RJ)