From investigations of cognitive development, intellectual ability, and learning strategies, representative examples of research are used to highlight dilemmas which attend the use of the terms "stages,""levels,""styles," and "strategies" to describe different aspects of human thinking and learning, especially in adolescents and young adults.…

Eighty-six college students (51 female) were tested on their ability to perform seven kinds of formal mathematical operations. An analysis of data indicated a strong positive relationship between male sex-role orientation and biological sex and cognitive development levels. (AM)

Reviews research on the storage and retrieval processes of memory and describes an information processing learning theory capable of interpreting the findings. Prescriptive aspects of the theory are applied to the problem of designing textual materials to enhance learning and retention, and a framework to stimulate future research is provided.…

Argues that visual literacy should be studied through a cognitive approach, and describes principles of punctuating and structuring that can be used to develop a new standard of experimental validity. Triadic interaction theory and the role of strategies in research are discussed, as well as a new orientation to research. (BK)

This article concerns the limitations of behavioral performance analysis as it is currently conceptualized by many educational technologists, presents a new paradigm for classifying responses, and suggests a more holistic model for human performance analysis that incorporates elements of developmental, behavioral, and cognitive psychology. (Author)

While advocating one theory, based on developing critical abilities, which he feels best rationalizes the total literary experience, the author argues that almost any rationale would be preferable to the current absence of a rationale for college literature curriculum--better both for the students and for the discipline. (Author/SJL)

Presents research data regarding infant nutrition and mother-child interaction among Latin American families of lower socioeconomic status. The one factor distinguishing mothers of malnourished and mothers of control children was that the latter maintained regular contact with the outside world by listening to the radio. (Author/DB)

Reports results of a study investigating the ability of college students to solve problems using proportional reasoning. Also discusses implications for consideration of Piagetian cognitive level of students in planning college courses. (CS)

Assesses the level of intellectual development in proportional, combinatorial, and correlational reasoning and the ability to control variables in beginning sophomore students (N=207) at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Compares this level with their performance on achievement tests in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. (CS)

Reports results supporting the theoretical rationale that there are certain cognitive skills, including data interpretation, identification of assumptions and hypotheses, and controlling of variables, that appear to be necessary for successful understanding of the heterotroph hypothesis, as presented in the BSCS Blue Version. Implications for…

Presents data on reasoning abilities of science and non-science majors at one private, liberal arts university. Indicates that most students taking physics are formal operational or into transition to formal reasoning and that six concrete operational students dropped the course. (JN)

Early childhood educators have long recognized the value of early socialization experiences provided by the peer group. Early peer experiences contribute to social development in that the importance of cooperating, sharing, and competing among equals is learned for the first time. (JN)

Discusses J. Piaget's concepts of assimilation and accommodations in relation to bilingual education. Suggests that age differences must be considered when planning such a program for Puerto Rican adolescents. Concludes that motivation, the usefulness of the second language, and identification with speakers of the language are key to second…

Investigated proportional reasoning abilities of 35 college science students using projection of shadows problem while presenting relevant only or relevant/irrelevant information. Field independence was measured using Group Embedded Figures Test. Students in relevant only condition performed significantly better. Degree of field independence…

This article discusses cognitive development research as it relates to social competence. Two research approaches are summarized: (1) attempts to isolate sequential stages in the development of social cognition, and (2) conceptualization of broad organizing principles hypothesized to mediate all social cognition. (Author/SJL)