A "priming" strategy was used to increase spontaneous social initiations of two preschool autistic boys toward typically developing peers in a regular preschool classroom. Peers were also trained to independently respond to initiations. Following training, the boys demonstrated a variety of increased, spontaneous, and salient initiation…

Examined gender differences in dominance and play among 48 preschoolers linked in girl-girl and girl-boy dyads. Findings reveal girl-girl dyads had more cooperative play, boys had higher functional play, and girls engaged in more dramatic play during feminine activities whereas boys displayed more dramatic play during masculine activities,…

Argues that apparent incompatibilities between social exchange and developmental perspectives can be resolved by using evolutionary theories to extend the logic of social exchange. Discusses the implications of an expanded evolutionary perspective on social exchange and development, proposing that developmental context and genetic relatedness may…

Examines child-rearing techniques of Jamaican adults and their assumed effects on child outcomes. Also examines the plausibility of the assumption that harsh physical punishment meted out to children is partially responsible for current social problems of that nation. Recommends approaches to tackle the broad goals of addressing familial and…

Discourses of concern about boys' schooling do not address complexities of boys' lives. Critical scholarship in masculinities highlights the effects of heteronormative privilege and offers alternative practices. A focus on the social gendered performance of boys rather than the claim that girls get too much attention may be more productive.…

This paper describes the use of drama with severely socially challenged children, especially children with autistic spectrum disorders. This approach stresses the importance of early make-believe and the use of drama to help children explore social narratives from the inside and thus improve social competence. (Contains references.) (DB)

Explores, through critical performance ethnography, the performative constitution of whiteness in an introductory communication classroom. Suggests that white subjects often fail to see whiteness in action. Argues that race in general, and whiteness in particular, is a social communicative accomplishment--a performative constitution of identity…

Notes that Juvonen and Graham's edited work brings together perspectives on peer harassment from eight different countries in articles ranging from a focus on the individual as victim or bully to group processes that support peer harassment in school, and theoretical perspectives. Considers the book valuable for scholars interested in peer…

Reports on three research studies that tested the hypothesis that the focus of attention of individuals in groups varies as a function of the group composition. The populations studied were members of the Nixon White House staff, high school students, and male undergraduate students. Results supported the idea of self-focused attention as a…

Studied social interactions of intellectually normal Head Start children, children with low rates of social interaction, children diagnosed as socially-emotionally handicapped, and socially normal, nonhandicapped children. All groups differed on peer interactions, positive social initiations, and reciprocity rule. (Author/BB)

A study of the social relationships of 64 adolescents with moderate mental retardation in a special day school found class social environments similar to those in regular education classes. Students were selective in friendships, showed reciprocity, and chose opposite-sex students, peers from other classes, and adults as friends. Classes also had…

Describes measurement of maternal responsiveness by means of the HOME Inventory. Shows the relation of such measurement to an array of child health, development, and behavior outcomes. (PCB)

To assess script-based knowledge and performance of routine events, 20 mentally retarded adults and 20 nonretarded preschoolers were asked to sequence photographs of events. Retarded individuals were better able to sequence events depicted in familiar contexts than in novel contexts. (Author/JDD)

Points out that competition is inevitable and that it is a means, not an end, in itself. Urges that passions involved in competitive situations not be denied but understood. Suggests that it is only through the understanding of such passions that we can maintain a balance between aggression and compliance. (KO)

Describes the use of four-person task assessments which were designed as a means of examining children's social interaction outside the classroom setting. Provides information concerning tasks and information obtained. Concludes that these tasks can be repeated over a period of years in order to evaluate the growth and maturity of subjects. (KO)