Refutes McGuire's analogy to inoculation theory used to predict resistance to beliefs that have not been attacked. An experimental test of effectiveness of different defenses over three belief levels is discussed. (JMF)

Assesses student belief and involvement in 10 paranormal phenomena. Findings show 99 percent of the sample expressed belief in at least one. Students expressing these beliefs achieved significantly lower course grades. Discusses instructor's role in combating unfounded beliefs and fostering critical thinking. (NL)

A conception of the self system is needed for studying personally involving beliefs and attitudes, particularly to interpret research findings that show differences in cognitive processing and action as a function of varying levels of involvement. Different levels of involvement are associated with different structures of attitudes and beliefs, as…

Reports two studies carried out in the 1970s and 1980s that examined whether intellectual mastery of the content in a psychology of women course facilitated personal change. Compared students' pretest-posttest scores on gender self-concept, attitudes, and assertiveness. Data indicate positive results, and scores did not change between groups. (NL)