Both forms of the Muller-Lyer illusion were presented to the normal and retarded subjects to determine possible changes in illusion strength in either or both forms of the illusion when age, amount of repetition, and IQ were varied. (Author/ED)

The author examines current techniques used to teach elementary school children how to analyze and compare. Emphasis is placed upon developing these modes of mental activity while teaching biological concepts. (DE)

Attempts to clarify the basis for the unusual responses to observed movement by 7-year-old children, as compared to adults, discovered by Olum. Subjects were 40 first and third graders. Results indicate that these responses are genuine and that they go through a developmental evolution. (SDH)

Confirms the hypothesis that meaningful verbal instruction will be most efficient when it proceeds from the general to the specific, from the superordinate to the subordinate. (RB)

Discusses the use of natural materials to enrich the learning of hospitalized, emotionally disturbed children. (SDH)

Shows a cultural influence on children's conceptions of time and motion. Data support the contention that cognitive structure differentiation is primarily a function of experimental rather than innate or invariant factors. (Author/GS)

Vygotskian theory suggests that maturation and learning are not mutually exclusive; rather together they constitute development and are thus dependent on each other and interactive. The concept of the zone of proximal development involves determining two developmental levels of mental functions for each learner--the actual and the potential…

The paper reviews theories of Lev Vygotsky, founder of the Soviet school of cognitive developmental psychology and an architect of Soviet defectology, the discipline concerned with physically and mentally handicapped children. Three of his basic concepts are explained: (1) "cultural" versus "natural" mental functions; (2)…

The study investigated short-term effects of a cognitive education program (the Instrumental Enrichment program) on school-related behaviors of 197 mildly retarded, emotionally handicapped, and learning-disabled students, compared to 127 controls. Hypotheses were that Instrumental Enrichment (IE) students would show improvement in cognitive…

This study tested the hypothesis that maternal drinking early in pregnancy affects the development of the child's central auditory processing. A follow-up study of 167 children took place 6 years after their mothers participated in a survey concerning health and drinking practices during the early stages of pregnancy. Indications of problem…

The research of William Perry, the Harvard psychologist who documented cognitive growth in undergraduates, is summarized. Perry's theory is compared to Piaget's theory, and the view that Perry is an extension of Piaget is discussed. Also noted is the shift in locus of control and other measures that occur as students progress through Perry's…

Data on the development of intelligence and the concept of giftedness are interpreted for use in the classroom and are applied to the development of strategies to optimize learning. The Integrative Education Model is introduced, with its purpose of empowering the learner physically, emotionally, cognitively, and intuitively. The teacher's role is…

Presented are practical ideas parents can use to prevent and manage excessive crying during their infant's first year. Designed to foster the development of children's physical and emotional independence, the ideas discussed concern (1) the changing functions of crying throughout the infant's first year, (2) causes of crying, (3) the intellectual…

This study links cognitive development and psychological adaptation by relating play attributes, assessed from a predominantly cognitive-developmental perspective, to "ego resiliency," which is a measure of flexibility in coping with stress. Subjects were 104 participants in a longitudinal study (Block & Block, 1980); 78 were given…