An increased understanding of olfaction and gustation has underlined the critical importance of these two chemical senses in determining how humans respond to their environment. In this article, recent advances in chemosensory research are summarized. The use of a smell identification test, an odor discrimination test, and a test for anosmia to a…

Spatial visualization is a fundamental skill in technical graphics and engineering designs. From conventional multiview drawing to modern solid modeling using computer-aided design, visualization skills have always been essential for representing three-dimensional objects and assemblies. Researchers have developed various types of tests to measure…

Twenty normal-hearing, sighted subjects (ages 20-42) viewed soundless videotapes of a speaker reading lists from the two forms of the Utley Lipreading Test and three from Harris' revised Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) Everyday Sentences. Results do not support the interchange of Utley and CID sentences for test-retest comparisons of…

Reviews salient studies done on students' drawings of scientists and the perceptions revealed therein since Mead and Metraux's seminal study in 1947. Summarizes what this body of research has not revealed and what seems to lie ahead, including implications for science education. (Author/KHR)

People presume that the light source in pictures comes from above, and there is some evidence that this phenomenon also demonstrates lateral biases. When investigators present multiple ambiguous stimuli or visually complex objects, people assume that the source of light is from above, and to the left. However, when single relatively simple stimuli…

This article describes a visual assessment procedure (VAP) which evaluates capacity, attention, and processing (CAP) of infants and preschool children with visual impairments. The two-level battery considers, first, visual capacity and basic visual attention and, second, visual perceptual and cognitive abilities. A theoretical analysis of the…

A pilot study was conducted to measure comprehension of affective bits on "Sesame Street" in children ages three to five years. Subjects were shown bits extracted from previous programs relating to two affective areas, anger and pride, and comprehension questions were administered at the end of the viewing. The questions attempted to…

A new creativity test is described that is based on the percept-genetic theory, which presumes that percepts are built by ultra-short, mostly preconscious processes. The test uses a still-life with two main structures, which is shown in two series of presentations differing in length. Results of experiments using the test are described. (Author/KM)

Explains the hierarchic structure of the mammalian visual system. Proposes a model in which feedback pathways serve to modify sensory stimuli in ways that enhance and complete sensory input patterns. Investigates the functioning of the system through computer simulations. (ML)

An overview is given of worldwide work on the development of classroom environment measures. Normative and validation data are reported from use of new scales among large Australian samples, and Australian research is reviewed, particularly in prediction of outcome-environment relationships, student-teacher perception differences, and facilitating…

Discusses field-dependent and field-independent perception, their link to learning characteristics, Herman A. Witkin's work on individual perception, and how this is instrumental in determining teaching style. A chart displays characteristics of field-dependent and field-independent students and teachers, motivation tips, and what teachers in each…

Assesses illiterate and semiliterate speakers of Serbo-Croatian on reading, writing, phonological, and control tasks. Three groups, categorized with respect to the subjects' ability to identify the letters of their Cyrillic alphabet, differed on phoneme deletion and phoneme-counting tasks, but not on syllable-counting, picture vocabulary, or…

Discusses the size-weight illusion that occurs when a person lifts two equal-weight objects differing in size and perceives the larger object as lighter than the small object. Describes several inexpensive techniques for demonstrating the size-weight illusion and reviews some relevant issues concerning this phenomena. (MJP)

This booklet describes the Specific Education of the Eye (SEE) program, an experimental kindergarten program which emphasizes the development of sensory skills as a prerequisite of learning. The first part of the booklet describes the development, expansion, and recognition of the SEE program. Described are activities (organized in instructional…

Maintains that having students estimate the size and width of a class waste paper can (placed on a desk) is a simple and effective way of illustrating perceptual distortion. Tests show that people will consistently overestimate the height of the can, allowing for a useful discussion on sensory distortion. (MJP)