Proponents of achievement goal theory typically posit social comparison to be associated with performance goals but not with mastery goals (C. Ames, 1992). Contrary to this postulate, there is some evidence that individuals who are experimentally induced to adopt mastery goals may also use social comparison (e.g., R. Butler, 1992). However, such…

The relation between achievement and self-regulated learning (SRL) was studied through the self-descriptions of 222 seventh graders, all high achievers. Students ranged widely in their use of SRL strategies, suggesting that SRL strategies are not necessary for high achievement. Mastery goal orientation and gender were significantly related to SRL.…

A study involving 58 seventh graders in same-gender dyads in three mutual peer tutoring conditions demonstrates that tutorial interaction can be structured so that same-ability age mates can scaffold each other's higher order thinking and learning. Scaffolding is not necessarily restricted to situations in which one partner is more knowledgeable…

Investigates the behaviors, interactions, and perceptions of junior high school students as they worked in structured or unstructured cooperative learning groups on problem-solving, curriculum-based tasks in mathematics, science and English. Results show that children in the structured groups were more cooperative and provided more relevant verbal…

Eighth graders (n=138) and college students (n=49) read and recalled four complex moral narratives in which moral arguments at different Kohlbergian stages were embedded. Participants with higher reasoning scores on a test of moral judgment development reconstructed more high-stage moral arguments during recall. (SLD)

Teachers emitted more disapprovals in lower ability classes than in higher ability classes; extra disapprovals in the former were predominantly of the managerial type. Teachers seldom praised pupils for behaving well socially, but approved of instructional behaviors more frequently than they disapproved of these behaviors. (Author/BJG)

Two experiments compared the working memory performance of 77 highly gifted seventh and eighth graders (13 and 14 Years ole) with verbal or mathematical precocity, or both. Different types of intellectual talent correlate with different working memory characteristics and differences in how digit and word stimuli are represented in memory. (SLD)

Differences in students' practice behaviors and perceptions of the motivational climate were studied with 109 seventh and eighth graders in physical education classes manipulated to be ego- or task-involved. Students perceived the conditions differently, and those in the task-involved condition completed more practice trials. (SLD)

This study investigated the cognitive abilities, cognitive styles, and student demographic characteristics that predicted learning of computer programing in small groups; the group process variables that predicted learning of computer programing; and the student characteristics that related to group processes. Different profiles of abilities…

Covariance structure modeling tested four alternative models of determinants of student effort changes. Four alternative models were investigated using 167 junior and 155 senior high school students. Effort ratings by teachers were obtained for 282 of the students. The importance of changes in students' perceptions of ability is discussed. (SLD)

Unique associations between three families of mathematical knowledge and individual differences in the mathematics skills of 103 seventh and eighth graders were studied. Conceptual and procedural knowledge adequately explained individual differences in fraction solving and problem set-up accuracy, but only conceptual knowledge adequately expressed…

Results from 4,679 subjects tested in seventh grade and as young adults suggest a negative effect of not graduating from high school on psychological functioning for male and female students in the full sample and in the sample (1,871) who did not go on to college. (SLD)

Student behaviors that best predicted mathematics learning in peer-directed small groups among students who needed help were studied with 166 seventh graders. Tape recordings of student interaction confirmed that receiving explanations and carrying out constructive activity were predictors of achievement. (SLD)

Students' understanding of attributional self-presentation strategies that facilitate adults' and peers' social approval in achievement situations was examined in 2 experiments involving the same 48 eighth graders. Results suggest that adolescents possess very sophisticated knowledge about attributional principles and the expectations and concerns…

Motivational influences on help-seeking behavior in mathematics were studied with 203 seventh and eighth graders. Perceived benefits and threats were important influences on avoidance of help-seeking behavior, but only benefits predicted adaptive help seeking. Social competence had an indirect effect on avoidance of help seeking. (SLD)