Applies the philosophical method of concept elucidation to determine whether there are rules governing the use of "curriculum" in educational discourse that would provide guidelines as to which ones are the correct ones. (Author/MLF)

The paper outlines a three dimensional model of person-environment congruence within a rehabilitation context. The model is then used in a discussion aimed at clarifying the concepts of disease, impairment, disability and handicap, and the relationship between the concept of functional assessment and the model. (Author/DB)

Views the designation of "runaway" as a social process, with the concept of "career" being central to this effort by allowing for an identification of where in overall process young persons see themselves. Becoming a runaway is conceived as process of action and reaction, as the end product of a person's actions, reason, and symbols. (Author/NB)

The paper surveys and analyzes the definitions of learning disabilities proposed by experts in the field and by legislative mandate. The discussion is organized around five topics: (1) historical developments, (2) common elements in the definitions, (3) criticisms of federal definitions, (4) theoretical versus operational definitions, and (5)…

Defines environmentalism both as a concept and an activity. As a concept, it encompasses not only environmental conservation but also social, economic, and political issues. As an activity, it focuses on a coordinated, networking, holistic issue approach to environmental problems. Implications of environmentalism (based on the definitions…

Introductory psychology students discuss the definition of aggression and related issues of causation and control. Students are exposed to the many issues involved in defining aggression and develop an understanding of the complexity of such a construct and, thus, the reasons why there is much disagreement about its meaning. (Author/RM)

Examines and rejects common criticisms of the causality concept; shows causality is a relation implied in the grammar of a language about objects. Discusses objective criteria for concepts of causal relations and explains how the concept of causality may be modified to have causes determine probabilities of outcomes. (Author/RH)

Four current approaches to understanding temperament are discussed. Theorists representing four postions--Goldsmith, Buss and Plomin, Rothbart, and Thomas and Chess--outline their views by reponding to six common questions. Commentaries highlighting differences and similarities between the positions are offered by Hinde and McCall. (Author/BN)

Clarifies the idea of information by dividing the range of definitions into different parts and identifying several points of misunderstanding. The discussion covers the sciences relating to the concept of information; the nomenclatures of informatics, informatology, information science, and information sciences; and the multidimensional…

The article suggests ways in which common aspects of theories of creativity can be understood within a framework of Piagetian constructivism. It argues that creativity has been too narrowly defined. Creative constructive abilities are available to all people interacting with their social environments and stem from natural intellectual processes.…

Recognizes the difficulties involved in trying to define the term "genocide" and how concepts such as "cultural genocide" and "political genocide" affect debate on the subject. Argues that to be clearly understood, genocide must be defined widely enough to identify appropriate cases, yet narrowly enough that it is not trivialized. (GEA)

In this interview, teaching models are rejected for their formulaic, inflexible approach to inculcating cognitive skills. Instead, teachers need to understand the logic of their subject matter and should master a set of pedagogical skills to use as necessary. Includes one reference. (MLH)

Reviews ERIC materials dealing with relative and absolute definitions of literacy. (FL)

When 96 mothers and 46 fathers of 6- or 13-month-old infants independently generated behavioral cues they believed contributed to their perception of their infant's recent easiness/difficultness, few systematic differences were found between easy and difficult infants, 6- and 13-month-olds, males and females, and firstborn and later-born.…

Popular French has many means of expressing admiration, but the burgeoning of expressions does not necessarily indicate a deepening of appreciation or judgment. (Author/MSE)