This overview of Soviet developmental psychology and its influence on special education focuses on dialectical materialistic interpretations of behavior, socio-historical determinism, zones of proximal development, realization and enhancement of children's cognitive potential, influence of Jean Piaget's work, linking of mental retardation with…

Discusses a previous study of the operational and sociomoral reasoning of 70 congenitally deaf children. Reports that, although the results indicated no differences between the hearing and nonhearing students on the development of sociomoral reasoning, the researchers still advocated intervention programs. (CFR)

Responds to criticism of research into the development of sociomoral reasoning of deaf children. Defends research methodology and asserts that the criticism does not accurately interpret their hypotheses. Concludes that their recommended intervention program also would be helpful with sensory unimpaired children. (CFR)