Two studies with children (n=123) with mild mental retardation were designed to test whether specific clusters of beliefs would predict imitation and persistence behaviors in this population. The studies found that belief scores were significantly related to such behaviors. Implications concerning motivation, the developmental-difference…

Examined the personal, situational, and contextual correlates of coping in 315 adolescents. Found that adolescents who used more approach-coping responses were older, more active, and appraised stressful events as controllable and as challenges, whereas adolescents who used more avoidance coping were easily distressed, had more chronic stressors,…

Questions are raised about the difficulty of defining normal and atypical sexual behavior. Variations from normalcy that students, parents, and educators are most likely to encounter are discussed. The importance of dealing with variations in ways that are best for the individual and the group is emphasized. (PP)

To shift educational research's focus from the rigorous study of individuals to whole learning environments, a systemic view of the classroom is proposed, with a list of seven generic components of the classroom environment. L. Guttman's Small Space Analysis is used, and a science teaching project illustrates the discussion. (SLD)

Cultural democracy is a concept which should be incorporated into the educational philosophy supporting all aspects of the teaching of English; specifically, it should be the basis of bicultural education. This concept stresses the importance of recognizing the attributes and needs not only of cultural and ethnic groups, but also of individuals…

This paper describes a study which examined interactive relationships between a personality variable (need for approval) and a situational variable (incentive for achievement) as determinants of transgression in temptation situations. Hypotheses were formulated that need for approval would correlate differentially with transgression when…

The goal of this workshop module is to increase teachers' awareness of the differential processes of socialization that affect the development of independence in girls and in boys and to help instructors adopt classroom behaviors and structures that foster independence in all students. Selected background readings on social attitudes toward…

A brief history of the philosophy and development of diagnostic-prescriptive teaching for the child with learning problems is presented. Individual differences in children are identified in the following six major areas: (1) pattern of growth, maturity level, health and energy, physical handicaps and limitations; (2) love relationships with family…

This review covers the psychological literature of the last 30 years regarding the personality and motivational characteristics of individuals with mental retardation. The first section is a brief historical review and critical examination of the various conceptual models and theories regarding personality and motivational processes in persons…