Discusses problems with formative evaluation of educational materials and examines the slope test when used in a pretest/posttest multiple group (PPMG) design to adjust posttest scores treatment interaction studies. An example is given of the utility of the slope test and analysis of covariance procedure using an educational film about AIDS. (five…

Describes a study that identified both technical aptitudes and personality characteristics that are related to academic orientation variables previously found to predict information retrieval performance. It is argued that individual characteristics should be described so that they can be accommodated through design and training. (74 references)…

Using data from the Illinois Talent Search Program, this study examines relationships between scores on several common standardized achievement tests and subsequent performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The dual criteria testing process is also analyzed for possible race and gender effects. Guidelines are offered for setting appropriate…

Pharmacy college admissions test scores and prepharmacy grade point average were examined as predictors of academic success in pharmacy school, with separate analyses conducted for White, Black, and Asian subgroups. Predictors differed markedly for the subgroups. Eight noncognitive variables were also examined for predictive power when combined…

An analysis of Brazilian learners' errors in English word stress revealed a difficulty hierarchy of stress pattern rules and six stress prediction strategies: (1) cognate stress patterns; (2) predominant stress patterns of English; (3) initial vowels and consonants; (4) verbs with a tense vowel in the final syllable; (5) tertiary stress; and (6)…

A survey of 95 students withdrawing from dental school investigated the reasons for dropping out. Predental school academic achievement was not found to be a significant predictor of withdrawal, but curricular and professional concerns were most commonly cited, followed by economic issues. (MSE)

Examines cross-metropolitan variation in Puerto Rican poverty rates using an instrumental variables regression model. The analysis highlights the roles of residential segregation and economic restructuring on Puerto Rican poverty rates in 1970 and 1980. During the 1970s, the contributory effects of segregation grew stronger, whereas the…

This survey of 750 young adult males found that the combination of emotional abuse with multiple events of sexual abuse in the respondent's childhood was a relatively good predictor of both poor mental health, and later sexual interest in or sexual contact with children. (Author/DB)

A study with 317 college freshmen found that the utility of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory to predict academic achievement, beyond that which could already be predicted by student background and entry-level variables, was quite limited. (MSE)

Two components of life orientation emerged in study of 145 men and 142 women at age 26: Positive Orientation (PO), which included self-percepts of personal control over development; and Motivated Questioning (MQ), which consisted of identity exploration and dissatisfaction with present achievements. In comparison with MQ, PO was more strongly…

Describes findings of the Spoken Language and New Technology (SLANT) research project which studied the talk of primary school children in the United Kingdom who were working in small groups at computers with various kinds of software. Improvements in the quality of talk and collaboration during computer-based activities are suggested. (Contains…

Summarizes four documents and seven journal articles in the ERIC database that examine children's self-esteem. Topics include self-esteem and academic achievement in black male adolescents, self-esteem and social responsibility, factors associated with self-esteem, self-esteem and peer relationships, enhancing self-esteem, and predictors of…

Examines the adjustment of 172 Taiwanese students during their first months in the United States. A multidimensional model is used that accounts for 39% of the variance of adjustment. Mediating factors of the model include demographics, personality, number and severity of problems experienced, prearrival preparation, social support, language…

A hierarchical regression analysis featuring 35 community, family, student, and school program characteristics was used to assess prediction of employment of 2,405 students who had left special education high school programs. Personal characteristics (especially being male and having living skills and academic skills) dominated the prediction of…

Different models of spoken word production make different predictions regarding the extent of effects of certain word properties on the output of that model. This article examines these predictions with regard to the effect of these variables on the production of semantic and phonological errors by aphasic subjects. (60 references) (Author/CK)