Responds to Heppner and Krauskopf's article on an information processing approach to personal problem solving by presenting shortcomings in the approach, notably its failure to fully exploit the available information processing concepts to reconceptualize personal problem solving specifically or counseling in general. Nonetheless, sees the…

Responds to Heppner and Krauskopf's article on an information processing approach to personal problem solving. Presents a four-point summary model of problem solving and examines what information processing adds to the area of problem solving. (NB)

Introduces three articles that identify various types of database management programs, discuss their basic features and some typical applications and present a table of the leading programs available; profile several companies that are utilizing database management systems; and illustrate several unusual home applications for hobbyists. (MBR)

Reacts to Heppner and Krauskopf's article on an information processing approach to personal problem solving. Commends the approach for relating to counseling much research on memory, social judgment, coping, information processing, and problem solving. Asserts that it remains unclear how information processing/problem-solving view of client…

The information needed for informed decision making and planning by institutions of higher education can be made available through the establishment of carefully constructed databases. This handbook outlines the characteristics of databases, the needs databases meet, the key factors around which they must be organized, the advantages they offer,…

Addresses single-user microcomputer systems and information processing applications normally performed through use of data management, spreadsheet, word processing, business graphics, and communications software. Both hardware and software considerations are included with an emphasis on hardware once appropriate application software-level packages…

Organizations systematically gather more information than they use, yet continue to ask for more. This may be partially explained by the fact that the use of information is embedded in social norms that make it highly symbolic. Implications of such a pattern of information use are discussed. (Author/WD)

Responds to Gelatt's conception of decision making in counseling. Concurs with need for a broader view of human reasoning that includes complex processes, both rational and intuitive. Advocates examination of how clients think, feel, and behave as they process information during counseling. (Author/TE)

A rationale is presented for viewing the decision-making process inherent in determining budget reductions for educational programs as most effectively modeled by a graduated funding approach. The major tenets of the graduated budget reduction approach to educational fiscal policy include the development of multiple alternative reduction plans, or…

Universities must achieve a new maturity in institutional planning and information management to meet the challenges of the 1980s. Decision support systems are analyzed and those that combine computing technology with knowledge about decision-making art found to hold the most promise. (Author/MLW)

Seven institutional research maxims based on research and theory about how people cognitively process information are discussed: more may not be better; augment humans with models; chunk data wisely; know decision-makers; heuristics are not always helpful; arrange tables by patterns; and accept negative evidence and new hypotheses. (Author/MLW)

The effects of declining enrollments, rising costs, increasing public scrutiny, diminishing financial and energy resources, and emerging environmental impact considerations will be felt by all institutions of higher education, regardless of institutional type. To cope with these threatening issues, a strategic planning process must be developed…

Assesses critical thinking teaching models, including skill development, problem-solving, logical thinking, multiaspect, and information processing approaches. Stresses creating open classroom environments where critical thinking that fosters effective, thoughtful decision making can flourish. Argues that teaching can and should be less…