Sixteen listeners (10 expert, 6 naive) judged the dissimilarity of pairs of voices drawn from pathological and normal populations. Only parameters that showed substantial variability were perceptually salient across listeners. Results suggest that traditional means of assessing listener reliability in voice perception tasks may not be appropriate.…

Experience supports the assertion that incarcerated males believe that their lives and events that occur are a result of forces outside themselves. This paper reviews earlier findings and reports research showing that male inmates are external in their locus of control and the andragogical assumption of self-directed learning is not valid for…

Examines individual variation in infants' exploratory play with objects. Distinguishes exploratory and nonexploratory manipulative play, and shows that only exploratory play relates to focused attention and learning. Discusses resistance to distraction during focused attention, relationships between exploratory play and mastery motivation, and the…

This paper proposes a generalization of Thurstonian probabilistic choice models for analyzing both multiple preference responses and their relationships. The approach is illustrated by modeling data from two multivariate preference experiments. Preliminary data analyses show that the extension can yield an adequate representation of multivariate…

Researchers and practitioners agree that learning styles stem from a nature/nurture combination; students of all styles can be successful learners; students are more successful when using their style strengths; and diverse teaching styles are essential. This article discusses implementation issues, cultural factors, alternative teaching styles,…

Examines the writings of J. Dewey and L. Vygotsky as part of the turn-of-the-century human sciences, highlighting the way in which each functioned to bring the new democratic rationalities into the governing of individual conduct, and tracing the origins of constructivist pedagogy. Contains approximately 200 references. (SLD)

In an uncertain teaching world, neophyte teachers should be provided with tools to perceive dilemmas with intelligence and sensitivity and make thoughtful, informed decisions to guide their actions. Learning to apply knowledge to practice requires going beyond what one sees and hears, analyzing the situation's meaning, and acting appropriately.…

This empirical study of Finnish University students reports on cognitive activities when hypertext readers construct interpretations, appreciate multiple perspectives and become able to manipulate the knowledge-construction process itself. Discusses knowledge acquisition, cognitive flexibility theory, reading strategies, individual differences,…

An individual differences model of learning from instructional text was tested with 211 Air Force recruits. Results strongly supported the model, which suggests that learning from text is determined by making connections among ideas that include the text and prior learning. Making the connections depends on individual differences. (SLD)

Two studies explored one university's application of learner-type segmentation to enable a better understanding of its undergraduate students. Tested the hypothesized segments of "job focused,""knowledge seeker,""socio-economic advantage,""stepper," and "undecided" through surveys and focus groups.…

Reprints an article originally published in 1953. Suggests that high standards of accomplishment in school will require the development of a definite homework program for students. Argues that homework requires students to develop time management skills, tends to bring school into the home, develops the idea that school is a full-time job, and…

Argues that developmental significance of friendships cannot be examined without distinguishing between the concepts of having friends, the identity of the child's friends, and friendship quality. Concludes that the identity of the child's friends and friendship quality may be more closely tied to developmental outcomes than merely whether the…

Explored relation between temperament and cardiac vagal tone in 12-week olds. Found that infants with higher baseline vagal tone showed fewer negative behaviors in the laboratory and were less disrupted by experimental procedures than infants with lower baselines. Infants who decreased cardiac vagal tone during assessments were rated by mothers as…

Argues against hopping on the assessment bandwagon, asserting that every experience of learning, like each learner, is singular. Asserts that provision comes before assessment, teaching before testing. (EV)

Surveyed British academics, hypothesizing that the effect of Britain's Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) on individual academics is dependent on their self-assessed level of research activity. Found that the RAE's effect does appear to be dependent on level of research activity, with moderately active researchers the most influenced to increase…