Reviews empirical studies of cognitive self-efficacy from childhood through old age, addressing issues of definition and measurement related to the self-efficacy construct. Integrates findings of research on self-efficacy and establishes generalizations regarding the relationship of self-efficacy to choice and goal-setting behaviors, a sense of…

Provides set of research strategies that would help bridge gap between research concerning care and treatment of people with severe mental illness and consumer empowerment. Argues that research should attend to context of research, vantage point, process of formulating research questions, selection of interventions tested, selection of outcomes…

Evaluated a theory of job satisfaction based on two facets: event and agent. Conceptualized event and agent as two domain facets of a content universe of job satisfaction, and a radex structure was hypothesized. Employees rated their job satisfaction and influence upon these job factors. Supported the radex structure. (Author)

Presents an overview of the topics of planning and control to provide a context for the articles in this issue of the journal. Considers development across the life span, subgroup variations, and correlates. Also explores potential linkages between planning and control. (MM)

This paper reviews the development of attribution theory as it relates to sport from Fritz Heider's original model of attribution theory in 1958 to the present. The original model explains that individuals use four attribution factors to interpret and predict the outcome of an event--ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck. Bernard Weiner built…

A temporal theory of motivation is proposed in which causes, causal dimensions, psychological consequences (expectancy and affect), and behavioral outcomes play a role in the dynamics of action. The discussion of methodological errors in attribution research that follows examines shortcomings at each of these conceptual stages in the motivational…

Arguments and research studies examining whether people prefer arbitration or mediation to resolve a conflict between disputing parties are discussed, critiqued, and compared. In both mediation and arbitration a presumably neutral third party is involved, along with disputants, as an element of the dispute-resolution process. Mediation and…

Suggests that the established life history approach to the study of aging has been reformulated to include the macrostructural and cultural context. Demonstrates the utility of some core concepts in social phenomenology and ethnomethodology, particularly Schutz's concept of biographical work, for developing this new conception of the self.…

A review of research regarding the self-concept, locus of control, temperament, problem behavior, and social status of learning-disabled (LD) adolescents reveals a general lack of information, conflicting results, and methodological pitfalls inherent in the study of LD adolescent personality and behavioral development. (CB)

This review of research studies on the psychological adjustment of gifted persons focused on five dimensions: social/behavioral conduct, family adjustment, emotional functioning (personality characteristics, anxiety, depression), social functioning (interpersonal relationships, social skills), and perceived competence (self-concept, self-esteem,…

Describes study that compared differences in computer attitudes, degree of computer literacy, locus of control, and commitment to computers between male and female student teachers at the University of Toronto. A literature review of previous studies on gender differences is presented, and the statistical methodology of this study is detailed. (31…

Nearly 140 studies of motivation in African Americans were reviewed. The review is organized around five topics that are subsumed under three assumptions about the relationship between ethnic minority status and motivation. African Americans appear to maintain a belief in personal control, have high expectancies, and enjoy positive self-regard.…