The methodological and practical problems that are especially common in or unique to assessment research in correctional settings are discussed. The distinctive culture of correctional institutions and the complications caused by governing bodies contribute to the particular problems encountered in collecting and analyzing data. (SLD)

Presents MAC/FAC, a model of similarity-based retrieval that attempts to capture psychological phenomena; discusses its limitations and extensions, its relationship with other retrieval models, and its placement in the context of other work on the nature of similarity. Examines the utility of the model through psychological experiments and…

Contrasts modeling methods in control theory to the methods of statistical generalizations in empirical studies of human or animal behavior. Presents a computer simulation that predicts behavior based on variables (effort and rewards) determined by the invariable (desired reward). Argues that control theory methods better reflect relationships to…

Provides an account of the deep structures of children's literature. Examines theorizing about these texts that deals with earliest affective experiences, including Julia Kristeva and Erik Erikson. Analyzes two texts from these perspectives: "Wind in the Willows" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." (HB)

Aspects of phenomenological psychology that contribute to a new concept of cultural studies are discussed. Separation of person, body, language, and culture is shown to be artificial. This concept of culture implies a new concept of language, which can be integrated into a program for teaching language awareness. (33 references) (Author/LB)

Attempts to replicate findings of previous research concerning sex differences in perceived locus of control among undergraduates in Antwerp, Belgium. Postulates the Rotter Scale does not measure the female perception of control and hypothesizes that female answers are determined by perceived socially acceptable answers. (NL)

A critical evaluation of the use of stochastic independence in psychological research is provided, considering (1) confirming the null hypothesis; (2) power of the statistical test; (3) Simpson's paradox; and (4) between-subjects and within-subject correlations. The importance of formal models in studying (in)dependence is emphasized. (SLD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may arise when key brain circuits do not develop properly, perhaps due to an altered gene or genes. Describes ADHD in detail and introduces a psychological model of ADHD. (ASK)

Discusses the results of research in which children with no preparatory musical training were asked to improvise short pieces of music to be interpreted as "self-descriptions." Views these improvisations as expressions of the self by assuming that they contain "metaphors" that in many respects are self-reflexive. (DSK)

Comments on the work of Arthur Jensen, specifically "The g Factor" (1998), which consolidates the psychometric, neurophysiological, behavior genetic, and comparative evidence for the existence and importance of a factor of general intelligence ("g"). Discusses Jensen's work on black/white differences in intelligence. (SLD)

Discusses the contributions of Arthur Jensen to the study of intelligence and considers his writings on the topic of racial differences in scores on tests of intelligence. Concludes with a discussion of his work on the correlates of the "g" vector (general intelligence factor). (Author/SLD)

Statistical significance reporting and use in educational and psychological research is reviewed. An assessment of the use of statistical significance in articles published in MECD from 1990-1996 is presented. The elements of statistical significance (including sample size, effect size, and power), interpretation of results, common erroneous…

Tests the egotism hypothesis for poor performance following insoluble problems, and investigates the contribution of egotistic mechanisms to performance in perceived group affiliation and helpless threat conditions. Reports that participants in the failure and group-affiliation conditions performed better than others. Observes that this supports…

Investigates the influence of societal factors on Western women's perceptions of their bodies. Finds that women typically underestimate their body size and want smaller bodies; two-fifths of women expressed negative feelings about their bodies; and that body satisfaction is best explained by societal influences, self-esteem and body mass index.…

It is argued that interrater agreement is a psychometric property which is theoretically different from classic reliability. Formulas are presented to illustrate a set of algebraically equivalent rater agreement indices that are intended to provide educational and psychological researchers with a practical way to establish a measure of rater…