Notes that the many forms of suicidal phenomena (contemplated, attempted, and completed suicide) present significant problems to researchers and practitioners. Reviews theoretical and empirical efforts to define types of suicidal individuals and attempts to integrate them by means of higher-order categories of variables: (1) descriptive; (2)…

Defines action research and discusses its application to training. (JOW)

The author discusses the various definitions of the term "mentor" as revealed in the literature. Functions of mentors are listed and the mentor-protege relationship is discussed. (CH)

To enlarge principals' professional vocabulary, this article defines general reading terms and terms pertaining to reading approaches and instructional reading strategies. Includes 20 references and an extensive "further information" bibliography classified according to 18 specialized topics. (MLH)

Discusses four definitions of literacy: literacy as a skill comprised of a set of subskills to be mastered; being literate is a way of thinking that is more abstract and analytical; literacy is a set of social practices; and literacy is a body of knowledge. (RS)

Gives the dictionary definition of "communications," and then suggests that communications is the last act in the process of public relations. Presents hypothetical situations to show that PR is the final implementation step in a management process rather than just "communications." Argues that some companies, however, use…

Questions whether ethical behavior within field of career services and employment can be defined and, if defined, whether professionals can follow its principles in their practices. Seeks to clarify concept of ethics and to distinguish ethical from legal. Includes figures that illustrate the relationship of principles to ethical standards, sources…

The literature reveals two flawed approaches to mentoring: (1) popular consensus, in which each group defines mentoring for itself; and (2) the continuum approach, a range of professional patronage relationships. A more comparative approach across occupations may elicit themes and cross-disciplinary ideas to improve practice. (SK)

This descriptive study compared 13 definitions of humor and 11 theories of humor as related to creativity. It found two core definitional themes (integration and incongruity) and three core theoretical categories (play/spontaneity, release/relief, and incongruity/unexpected relationships). Tables provide comparative analyses of definitions and…

Discusses the difference between skills, values, and personality traits and competencies. Defines competency as a cluster of related knowledge, attitudes, and skills that affects a major part of ones job; correlates with performance; can be measured; and can be improved. (JOW)

Asserts that typological thinking, the belief that individual differences diverge around an underlying type of essence, has persisted regarding mental retardation and prevents the appreciation of individual differences and human dignity in the mental retardation field. Past and present controversies over the definition of mental retardation are…

Summarizes the points made by M. Scriven and adds some evaluative comments by the present author. Scriven's notion of minimalist evaluation is given a strong "thumbs-up," but his definition of evaluation receives a "thumbs-down" for not standing up to close scrutiny. The checklist methodology Scriven proposes is endorsed enthusiastically. (SLD)

Presents a broad definition of "testlet" and suggests a framework for classifying types of testlets. Considers several issues that bear on the conceptualization of testlets and analyses of scores from tests composed of testlets. Suggests some research topics that seem particularly important to advancing the meaningful and appropriate use…

The term child sexual abuse has never been unequivocally defined, which inhibits research, treatment, and advocacy. Early researchers used broad, inclusive definitions that are still used today. Discusses the consequences of these definitions, suggesting strategies for reducing definitional ambiguity (e.g., allowing the definition of child sexual…

This paper considers changing concepts of what mental retardation is, its causes, and prevention in the context of the 1992 definition of the American Association on Mental Retardation. A format to improve the designation of etiology and to relate etiology to prevention and support is offered. (Author/DB)