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)

Discusses varieties of feedback as a first step in understanding the dynamics of successful feedback practices and identifies common elements in the concepts of feedback and reinforcement for use in making management of the instructional encounter more effective. Instrumental feedback is discussed as a model for feedback among human beings. (MBR)

Describes a unique performance appraisal method known as "behaviorally anchored rating scales" (BARS) which is especially useful for managers of instructional developers. Steps and procedures used to collaboratively construct BARS for a particular position are discussed, and factors to consider when planning any appraisal system are…

The author sees S. Reis and J. Renzulli's case for a broadened conception of giftedness as being conceputally weak; points out the theoretical short-comings of the enrichment triad; and suggests that the "Revolving Door Identification Model" is accommodating and misleading. (Author/CL)

Suggests that careless use of technical terms has resulted in misunderstandings and less precise communication. Defines position, job, occupation, career, and vocation, providing illustrations of each, to help professionals communicate more effectively with their clients and with each other. (JAC)