Cites the importance of computers and of mathematical graph theory in describing the key features of group structures and compares research based on these methods to research carried out by social psychologists in the 1940s and 1950s. Identifies major problems in the collection of network data about large groups whose boundaries are not…

Evaluates the current state of research on motivation of behavior as a response to proffered rewards. Most research has evaluated behavior in academic classrooms or laboratory problem-solving groups and has focused on a choice between (1) cooperation where everyone receives a similar reward when a performance standard has been met, and (2)…

The concept "patterns of cultural choice," defined as patterns of money and time use among which people may choose to some degree, is contrasted with terms such as lifestyle and subculture. Eight research articles, comprising this journal issue, which employ alternative strategies of isolating choice patterns, are introduced. (Author/RM)

Explores options for delivering on some of the promises of the Great Society, with the intent of inquiring into the possibility of retaining the best of the public sector's goals and combining them with the private sector's system of operating incentives. Also reviews criteria for the existence and operation of a public sector in the face of…

Discusses the basis on which the behavioral orientation to political science has been constructed: that there are discoverable uniformities in political behavior that can be expressed in generalizations; that the validity of such generalizations must be testable; and that theory and research are closely intertwined. Discusses both American and…

Illustrates the differences between participatory action research (PAR) and action science by exploring Xerox Corporation's participatory action research (PAR) efforts. Points out practical limitations and conceptual gaps of PAR. Emphasizes that the key to valuable research is to meet the standards of appropriate rigor without sacrificing…

Uses a behavior model from control systems theory to analyze how we coordinate our own and each other's physical movements. Tests one person controlling a cursor with one handle or two, and two people controlling a cursor with two handles. Shows that control theory accurately predicts the results. (CH)

The Leisure Activity Survey is a large national data set collected in 1982 by the Bureau of the Census for the National Endowment for the Arts. Selected preliminary findings are discussed and several other uses of the data set are suggested. (Author/RM)

Extends control systems theory to analyze purposive collective behaviors, ranging from simple to complex, involving small and large groups. Suggests that complex collective phenomena can be explained as the repetition or combination of individual and collective sequences of action. Posits that control systems theory can be used to elucidate…

Describes the Giffen effect: demand for a commodity increases as price increases. Explains how applying control theory eliminates the paradox that the Giffen effect presents to classic economics supply and demand theory. Notes the differences in how conventional demand theory and control theory treat consumer behavior. (CH)

Six articles focus on various aspects on violence in American society. Titles are "Evolving a Science of Violence,""Violence by Youth; Violence Against Youth,""Victims and Aggressors in Marital Violence,""Television Violence, Victimization, and Power," and "Violence in Business Settings." (DB)

Discusses the features of automated information systems (AIS) in local governments. Examines three perspectives of the use and impact of automated information. These perspectives consider AIS as a rationalizing force, as controlled both by a self-serving technological elite and by its own technological imperatives, and as not qualitatively…

Factor analysis of a 1978 survey of St. Louis shows that different age, race, and educational attainment segments have approximately the same patterns of interest, participation, and enjoyment in leisure activities. Leisure activities of four types of fine arts activities--arts, music-dance, visual arts, and nonarts types--are described.…

Different types of time-series data sets can be used to identify cultural change and continuity. Indicators, including musical instruments, clothing, sporting goods, drugs, garbage, telephones, and magazines, are used to study social change since World War II. (Author/RM)

Traces federal involvement (particularly policy making and financial support) in teacher education since the Civil War. Topics discussed include the ascendency of science and technology, planned social change, curriculum reform, educational legislation, and community involvement. (Author/DB)