Argues that Wade's Male Reference Group Identity Dependence Theory seems to cover familiar groups in respect to gender issues. Also holds that Wade's theory is not sensitive enough to individual differences. Discusses the status of the groups in the study. Offers suggestions for future research. (MKA)

The closed-interval signed area (CSA) and closed-interval unsigned area (CUA) statistics were studied by Monte Carlo simulation to detect differential item functioning (DIF) when the reference and focal groups had different parameter distributions. Different behaviors of the CSA and CUA as functions of the parameters are discussed. (SLD)

Systematic investigation of processes involved in needs analysis would improve current knowledge of the procedure and would bring analysts closer to the goal of generalized validity rather than situational validity. This article deals with two phases of the needs assessment process: selecting participants and defining needs and alternatives in…

Reports results of a study investigating reference group orientations of industrially employed professionals. Sample included 128 engineers and 51 scientists, divided into four personnel types: locals, cosmopolitans, local/cosmopolitans, and uncommitted. Through a questionnaire, respondents reflected their level of commitment to a variety of…

Reports on a study of the role orientation of North Carolina community college faculty, which investigated the relationship between professional-discipline and careerist orientations, and the reference groups used by faculty to evaluate their performance. Reveals a conflict between professional and careerist orientations ands claims that…

Explored the relationships between network variables and level of self-valuing within a group of women who demonstrated interest in careers traditionally associated with males. The major focus was on the differential importance of male-referenced versus female-referenced variables in predicting level of self-regard within such a group. (Author/PAS)

Explores recent social psychological theorizing on the predicaments of minority identity. A social identity theory, which reveals unjustified assumptions about minority dependence on and conformity with majority values, is contrasted with a conflict perspective in which majority values are the object of both conflict and negotiation. 37…

Draws upon theories of homophily and reference groups to argue that experiential similarity (similar status transition) is more important than structural similarity (age, gender, and marital status) in determining sources of emotional support and stress following life events. Arguments are supported by longitudinal data on social networks of…

The current study explored essential themes of racial identity development among 10 self-identified multiracial adults from a variety of racial backgrounds. Participants were interviewed using a semistructured protocol, and the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded for themes by research team members. Four primary themes were…

College students have been shown to consistently overestimate the drinking of their peers. As a result, social norms approaches are effective in correcting these misperceived norms to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. In this review of literature, the authors critically evaluated the effectiveness of personalized normative…

Duval and Wicklund proposed a theory of self-awareness that distinguishes between objective and subjective self-awareness, in which objectively self-aware individuals are assumed to focus attention on themselves and subjectively self-aware individuals direct attention toward external objects. To investigate self-awareness of physical…

The relationship between selected attitudinal variables among community college faculty members was investigated, using a framework derived from symbolic interaction theory, through a survey of 627 faculty in five Pennsylvania community colleges. Results indicated variations in attitudes toward the community college philosophy and orientations…

Points out characteristics of young adolescents, including mood swings, concern with self, and reliance on peers as a reference group. (Author/RH)

A Black U.S. sociologist views the issue of marginality in early socialization and career development. Analyzes his life experiences to provide data through which a dialectical model of marginalization and human development can be constructed. Concludes that emphasis upon either marginality or mainstreaming is a function of the complex interaction…

Reviews aspects of the epidemiology and criminology of delinquency and how they have been reflected in American films. Analyses show that when movies mimic certain aspects of the viewer's environment, an interactive or "resonating" effect may occur, such that young viewers may be more likely to commit delinquent acts. (RJM)