The effects of peer interaction and incentive structures on achievement were measured by a criterion-reference test. Subjects were 106 bank employees who were taught to read the bank's annual report. Results indicated that peer interaction has a significant effect on learning. (CH)

Investigated the roles parental and peer informal control structures play in predicting adolescent alcohol use and abuse, using data from high school students (N=345). Suggests that "youth world" and "adult world" control structures are predictive of adolescents' orientations toward alcohol, though generally in different…

Results of a peer confrontation procedure on the disruptive classroom behavior of three behavior-disordered and mildly retarded students (ages 9-11) are reported. Immediately following each episode of disruptive behavior, peers were prompted by the teacher to label the target behavior, indicate why it was unacceptable, and suggest an alternative…

There is a need to conduct more Piagetian research in the West Indies in order to develop a basis for a culturally appropriate curriculum. This article analyzes the performance of students in Trinidad and Tobago on Piagetian tasks. The majority of these children did not conform to Piaget's classification of stages. (VM)

The effects of independent, interdependent, and dependent group contingencies in increasing spelling performance of two classes of sixth grade students were compared using an alternating treatments design. Results suggest that all three contingencies substantially improving spelling performance on daily tests. (Author/LMO)

Examines the development of, and interrelations among, three types of autonomy during the transition from childhood into adolescence: emotional autonomy in relationships with parents, resistance to peer pressure, and the subjective sense of self-reliance. (HOD)

College undergraduates (N=53) reporting use of a hallucinogenic mushroom (Psilocybe) were matched to nonusers. Hallucinogenic mushroom use by men was most associated with peers' mushroom use, whereas mushroom use by women was most associated with parental drug use, especially fathers' marijuana use. Personality measures were secondary in…

Examined the scope of influence exerted by occupational and educational significant others identified by 142 high school youth to determine the extent to which this influence is segmental. Data showed that the influence of most significant others was specific to either educational or occupational ambitions, suggesting that these are fairly…

Investigated the tendency of 150 ninth-grade students to comply with peers in various risky alcohol and driving situations. Experimental groups received a one-week preventive alcohol education program. Results showed experimental groups reporting significantly lower levels of compliance toward the risky situations. (Author/JAC)

Discusses why an individual begins to experiment with drugs and when such activities are likely to take place. An understanding of these factors provides insight into ways to prevent drug abuse. Notes that the family may prove to be the most enduring point of prevention and intervention. (BB)

This study showed that friendship with popular girls is an important avenue for peer status among junior high females. Many popular girls avoid interactions with students of lower status, causing resentment and dislike. There develops a cycle of popularity, in which feelings toward popular girls move from positive to negative. (Author/RM)

Suggests that the apparent lack of effectiveness of alcohol and drug education programs may stem from the lack of a sound theoretical basis for program development and evaluaton. Reviews (1) the relevance of socialization theory to adolescent drinking and (2) the influence of parents and peers. (JAC)

A conceptual model of the factors affecting dropout syndrome was develop emphasizing academic, social, and personal outcomes of the selection or socialization of students at a university. The model was estimated using path analysis, and the intervening variables were found to be important predictors of dropout syndrome. (Author/DWH)

Describes a peer culture development program implemented in three Chicago public high schools (N=150), which uses peer influence in group meetings (classes) as means for reduction of adolescent problem behavior. Reports an evaluation study providing generally positive findings showing reduction in destructive or detrimental behavior. (Author/LLL)

Reactions of 96 fifth- and sixth-graders to being imitated were assessed in a compliance situation and by self-report measures of attraction toward the imitating child. It was hypothesized that subjects who perceived peer imitation to be coincidental would respond more favorably than if they perceived imitation to be an attempt to influence their…