Magnetic resonance imaging was used to demonstrate that larger brain size (corrected for body size) was associated with higher intelligence quotient (IQ) for 40 right-handed college students grouped by high and average IQ and sex. Results suggest the relevance of brain size to intelligence test performance. (SLD)

Ways in which studies in second-language acquisition research can illuminate first-language acquisition research are explored. Emphasis is on issues of learner strategies, individual variation, acquisition of late learned structures, bilingualism, Universal Grammar, and the fate of obsolete knowledge in acquisition. (64 references) (Author/LB)

A model-based modification of the standardization index based on a multidimensional item response theory bias modeling approach is presented that detects and estimates differential item functioning (DIF) (item bias) simultaneously for several items as well as differential test functioning (DTF). This SIBTEST procedure is tested through a computer…

Examines existing data on biological diversity among Americans of African descent within the contexts of their evolutionary backgrounds and political and economic realities. Explores the origins of the diversity, and provides an evolutionary and political economy synthesis for evaluating the biological distinctions apparent among African…

Following a presentation of Rita and Kenneth Dunn's learning styles model at a NAESP convention, staff at a South Dakota elementary school began teaching students according to their own perceptual strengths. This article profiles teachers' efforts and presents an observation checklist for preparing individualized learning style inventories and…

The emergence of computerized adaptive tests (CATs), which customize assessment for each individual, may mean more efficient testing. A CAT version of the Graduate Record Examination is in production. Critics have many questions about the technique, which is based on item response theory. (MSE)

Provides an overview of research on individual user differences and relevance in information retrieval. An experiment with a two-stage information retrieval system, using a topical set of document representations produced by a Boolean search and a citation profile is described. Implications for information retrieval are explored. (Contains 32…

Quantitative growth curve models for estimating individual developmental functions from various types of longitudinal data are discussed in the context of investigator assumptions and research design characteristics. Linear and nonlinear models that estimate growth curves are illustrated, and contrasted when they are fit to speech development…

Eye movements of 12-week-old infants were recorded in a visual encoding experiment. Results showed that infants who encoded more slowly scanned less extensively over the stimulus and engaged in prolonged fixation. An experiment with two-week olds showed significant age differences in the manner of visual scanning. (BC)

Individual differences in performance on 4 computer-controlled visual memory and recognition tasks as a function of performance on 5 paper-and-pencil spatial tests were studied for 90 psychology students attending the University of Rennes (France). Results show that spatial thinking is partially supported by visual memory. (SLD)

Most university pedagogy involves emptying useless or subversive knowledge from a student's head and filling it with relevant and productive information, and all students are taught the same. Pedagogy should involve teaching students to hear what a text says to them, raising the level of reflection, and encouraging students to take charge of their…

The hypothesis that coping with novelty is a key aspect of intelligence is not supported by the data of Sternberg and Gastel. It is contended that these authors committed a common error by interpreting correlations involving difference scores without reference to the properties of the components of the difference. (SLD)

Changes in stages of concern expressed by students with differing amounts of prior liberal arts study in a teacher-education program were compared for 27 undergraduates and 17 graduate students using the Stages of Concern Questionnaire. Significant differences for self, task, and impact concerns are discussed. (SLD)

A theoretical framework is presented to explain expert performance as the end result of individuals' prolonged efforts to improve performance while negotiating motivational and external constraints. Empirical support is provided by 2 studies of 30 violin students and 12 pianists of differing abilities in Berlin (Germany). (SLD)

Two studies involving 274 Air Force recruits and 163 college students, respectively, investigated the relationship between priming effects and declarative knowledge acquisition within repetitive practice models. Individual differences in repetition-priming effects uniquely predicted learning differences relative to other cognitive measures.…