Study surveys secondary school students (N=4,773) about five items concerning the circumstances of smoking initiation: age at first cigarette; source of supply; location of first smoke; persons present; and perceived degree of coercion. Although there was a highly significant gender difference on the item concerning age at first cigarette, with…

Reports on a study in which English secondary remedial students were observed and rated in their individual levels of on-task behavior. Results indicate that group-oriented classroom management procedures may achieve their apparent success merely by raising the on-task behavior of nontroublesome pupils. (Author/BSR)

A study examined whether it was possible to teach five children (ages 5-6) with autism to use symbolic pretend play. The intervention used structure, affect, and repetition and progressively faded out the structuring over three phases. All of the children were able to use some symbolic acts within play. (Contains references.) (CR)

This study examined the development of imitation under naturalistic conditions. Participating were 320 parents, who provided diary records of imitation by their 12-, 15-, and 18-month-old infants over a 7-day period. Approximately half of the infants were first-borns and half had older siblings. The findings indicated that infants of all ages…

A study of 571 Australian children (ages 4-18) with mental retardation investigated potential behavioral risk factors for injury. Results found the prevalence of potential injury risk behaviors to be higher than for typical children and that the behavioral injury risk patterns reflected those seen in younger aged typical children. (Author/CR)

Examines adolescents' responses to a survey on smoking, smoking behavior, and psychological well being, along with information on household composition, income and parental education. Outcomes suggest that some of the key explanatory factors in take-up are temporary, psychological states. Argues that adolescent smoking is in large measure an…

Describes growth in the number of studies of behavior development conducted in Japan during the last 20 years and identifies areas of development receiving attention by Japanese researchers. (RH)

Reports the results of a multiple regression analysis conducted to determine, in a group of three- to six-year-old children, the magnitude of IQ variance accounted for by physical growth variables and socioeconomic status indicators. (RH)

Examined key components of the "New Look" at adolescent imaginary audience and personal fable constructs. Found that only the invulnerability and omnipotence subscales of the New Personal Fable Scale were highly related. Boys were found to believe more strongly in their own uniqueness, invulnerability, and omnipotence than were girls.…

Investigated continuities and discontinuities in the use of learning strategies by Western Australian preschoolers. A follow-up study was conducted a year later. Findings showed that children who were characterized by active strategic approaches to learning in preschool maintained these approaches in the first year of school. (SH)

Reports the third wave of a longitudinal study that followed 106 15-year-olds from their last compulsory year at school for 22 months. Study shows that this is a period of considerable flux in smoking behavior. Highlights the role of friendship groups and social contexts and suggests that smoking prevention programs should be developed to meet the…

In this article the relationship between teacher change and teacher learning is analysed. Data presented here were gathered through self-study research over a 30-month period, during which the author, as a teacher-researcher in Malta, systematically recorded observations and reflections into a reflective journal. This article addresses issues such…

Many studies using questionnaires and observational methods to collect information on the pointing gesture in infants have recently been performed. However, no study based on long-term observation is presently available that deals with the appearance and development of pointing as an interaction between mothers and their children. Therefore, this…

Third and fourth grade children were instructed to share half their winnings from a bowling game under one of three types of verbal appeal: a power assertive appeal emphasizing punishment for noncompliance, an inductive appeal emphasizing contributions to the other's well-being, or a neutral appeal. (Author/DB)