Discusses several ways in which computers are being used in sociology and how they continue to change this discipline. Areas considered include data collection, data analysis, simulations of social processes based on mathematical models, and problem areas (including standardization concerns, training, and the financing of computing facilities).…

Examines issues involving the use of on-line databases, magnetic and optical data storage, digital telecommunications, and microcomputers on college campuses. These issues include access to computers and computer networking, and educational uses of the computers. Examples of efforts at four universities are included. (JN)

Workstations are microprocessor-based desktop computers with the hardware architecture of superminicomputers, combining virtual memory with sophisticated operating systems, communications protocols, advanced languages, and high-resolution graphics. The development of workstations and their uses in scientific environments are discussed. (JN)

Graphical perception is the visual decoding of the quantitative and qualitative information encoded on graphs. Some recent theoretical/experimental investigations of graphical perception are described, identifying certain elementary graphical-perception tasks that are performed in the visual decoding of quantitative information from graphs.…

The genesis of individual computing devices, some of their applications, and the market for personal computers are reviewed, including discussions of electronic mail and computerized music. (JN)

Examines issues related to educational computing. Indicates that although teachers and software makers say that home computers will transform schools, problems of equity and quality of courseware remain unresolved. Points out that 80 percent of educational programs have gone on the market with little or no research or testing. (JN)