Designed to determine whether (1) children of middle socioeconomic status (SES) learn matrix completion rules more rapidly than lower-SES children; (2) feedback influences rate of rule acquisition; (3) rule shifting influences rate of rule acquisition; (4) SES is associated with transfer of training; and (5) effectiveness of rule acquisition and…

A simulated peer-counseling situation was used to assess decision making among 108 adolescents in grades 7 through 12. As grade level increased, adolescents significantly more often mentioned potential risks and future consequences of decisions; recognized and treated vested interests with caution; and suggested an independent professional opinion…

Explores the educational implications of a specific survey on the nature and extent of adolescent alcohol and drug use. Describes findings of the survey and related educational implications, highlighting major areas of concern for alcohol and drug education. (Author/RC)

Older Down's syndrome infants responded to the regular reappearance of a squeaky doll with significantly more affective behavior than did younger Down's syndrome infants. Longitudinal research with the younger infants indicated that the onset of affective behavior significantly correlated with mental development and aspects of temperament.…

Using information contained in nine photographs, young children constructed a wooden pyramid. Control children were given the same task but no pictorial information. Children's performances were significantly better when pictorial information was available. Sex and age differences were noted regarding strategies used to complete the task.…

Results of two experiments minimizing verbal encoding and response demands indicate that when the ceiling effects in no-mask target recognition are removed, the visual information processing rates for children and adults can be considered equivalent. (Author/RH)

Observers recorded the sex-typed activities of 49 children during free-play sessions in nursery school and kindergarten. Reinforcing and punishing responses of peers and teachers were also recorded. Among the results, children reinforced one another primarily for gender-appropriate activities. Most reinforcements and punishments were received from…

Geometric matrix problems were presented to 11- and 14-year-olds and adults to investigate latency to solution as a function of number of elements (1-3) and of transformations (0-2) that had to be considered for correct solution. At all ages latencies increased as the number of elements and number of transformations increased. (Author/DB)

Eighty children between the ages of 6 and 13 were asked to indicate and compare the needs and earnings of doctors, bus drivers, waiters, and shopkeepers. Youngest children did not perceive that unmet needs existed. Older children recognized the needs but sharply disagreed about inequalities. (Author/DB)

Word lists were given to 176 Scottish children, ages 15, 11, 8, and 6. Analysis of variance on recall scores indicated that Jensen's findings of greater recall by middle class children may be only a transitory phenomenon, not evidence of permanent middle class superiority in Level II ability. (Editor/SJL)

A survey of more than 600 Michigan high school students suggests that adolescents who prefer television news and public affairs programs tend to feel their families, friends, and schools think public affairs are important; tend to be older; and tend not to be from a minority racial background. (GT)

The Motoric Music Skills Test was administered to 808 children, ages three to six, from seven Kansas communities. Analysis of descriptive and inferential data indicate that the measured skills increase with age and differ by sex. Race, community size, and previous musical instrument experience were not significantly related to test performance.…

Relationships between day care and attachment were assessed with alternative procedures: (1) hypothesized normal patterns of attachment were tested naturalistically in day-care centers; (2) day-care and home-reared children were compared in a laboratory setting. (Author/MP)

Investigates the effect of being labeled "patient" among kindergarten, first- and second-grade girls in a self-imposed delay of gratification task making rewards contingent upon stopping further accumulation. Results are interpreted in terms of modifications in the child's self perceptions as a consequence of being labeled by an adult. (RH)

The mental and psychomotor development of 35 severely malnourished infants in Chile were examined during nutritional and psychological treatment. There was a significant difference between younger and older infants in their response to the treatment. (Author/DLS)