Many researchers have studied the population of individuals with mild mental retardation (MIMR) as if it is a clear entity. Few researchers have investigated potential subtypes within the MIMR population. The purpose of the present study was to investigate which subtypes can be identified on the basis of intellectual, adaptive and behavioral…

This review critically examines the research findings which characterize the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical features of Williams syndrome (WS). This article analyzes 178 published studies in the WS literature covering the following areas: 1) General intelligence, 2) Language skills, 3) Visuospatial and face processing skills, 4)…

In a study of operative thought in children, 104 children, aged 4 to 9, were tested 5 times with the same 25 Piagetian tasks. There were manifest indicators of synergy in the development of the various behaviors, but it was not possible to validate specific problems of behavior organization. (SLD)

Discusses several common misunderstandings regarding theories of competence, especially that of psychological reality of competence formalisms. Argues that the claim of the psychological reality of a mechanism,'' as opposed to a structural description, is only appropriate when the mechanism accounts parsimoniously for the widest possible range of…

The main objective of the research was to define and dimensionalize the self concept. In a theoretical approach similar to the debates on the meaning of intelligence, this study attempted to determine whether the self concept is a general factor which explains more specific selves, whether it connotes a hierarchical structure, or whether it is…

Questions the assumption that behavioral, mental, or cognitive incompetence accompanies the biological aging process. Investigates the philosophical, psychological, social, and cultural-historical bases to this erroneous assumption. Concludes that gerontological psychologists have directly contributed to the negative stereotypes of elderly…

This paper reports on an experiment to determine: (1) the effects of two different styles of television program format on the ability of preschool children to recall program content and (2) the cumulative effect of sustained viewing of particular programs upon spontaneous play behavior. Three groups of preschoolers (totaling 58) were exposed to…

This is a discussion on the role that cognitive and affective variables play in second language learning. The variables under consideration are: (1) intelligence; (2) language aptitude; (3) motivation; and (4) anxiety. Specifically, this report focuses on the importace of attitudinal and motivational factors in achievement. Research is reviewed…

The use of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third Edition (WISC-III) and its interpretation in educational use are discussed. To measure intelligence, Wechsler believed one must measure the various aptitudes that contribute to the total behavior of the individual. The WISC-III has six verbal subtests and seven performance subtests.…