This research looks at the effects of laboratory training on self concept. The gestalt and encounter approaches are employed to test the amount of self concept change possible in group experiences. (YRJ)

Discusses a study designed to investigate the relationships between vocal activity level and interpersonal attraction, perceived credibility, perceived homophily or interpersonal similarity and perceived power or ability to influence. (MH)

Reviews research to determine applicability of Matthew Miles' temporary system theory to organized camping in Connecticut. Reveals resident camps exhibit more temporary system features than day camps and program directors respond to more similar temporary system features than camp directors. Supports importance of camp setting as effective…

Proposes that psychology teachers help promote a more active consideration of the psychology of peace and war in the nuclear age by including the topic in their courses. Specific ways to incorporate this issue into psychology courses are offered. (Author/JDH)

Explored and typified the interaction between student leaders and followers in student decision-making groups in a natural campus setting. Student committee members (N=122) were observed and rated by graduate assistants (N=14). Results revealed two basic styles of leaders' communication: information giving and information seeking. Results have…

Proposes a classroom model for developing an interest in reading for pleasure and increasing literary competence among intermediate or advanced second-language students. The model employs a reading syndicate web through which students read collectively literary texts and share their individually acquired knowledge and appreciation to enhance the…

This paper was developed from qualitative data that was collected as part of a larger study of high school students in Canada. Using a sociological orientation, students' perceptions of the causes and consequences of embarrassment are identified. (RB)

Multiple family group therapy, which represents an interaction of the therapeutic effects of family and group interventions, is a promising systems approach that school psychologists may consider in their practice. Group composition, requisite skills and roles of group leaders, and specific techniques are discussed. (Author/LMO)

This commentary points out problems with the cultural difference and castelike theories of minority group school failure. It can be shown that both have some merit if studies are conducted of the reasons why children enjoy some classes which fit their peer group dynamics and reject those which do not. (VM)

Examines the dynamics involved when preschoolers aged five years attempt to build replicas of Lego models, either by working alone or with another. Results show that collaboration was more conducive to learning than was independent work and that children were able to generalize their skills. (Author/RWB)

Identifies various theories of individual and group influences on the performance control process. Both Japanese and American managers have a Rational Man theory of the individual. However, Americans see groups as helping to reduce the risk of poor performance, whereas Japanese see them as enhancing good performance. (Author/LHW)

Tested the hypothesis that hidden communication reflects basic assumptions, such as dependence on a leader or fight/flight movements within the group, by observng 10 informal teenage groups in the classroom. Found that the teenage leaders dominated both the physical and psychological space and that group movements changed continuously during the…

Discusses how David Booth's ability to elicit both commitment and authenticity in children's creation of improvised dramas distinguishes him as a teacher. Describes various phases and aspects of a drama lesson given to a group of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders that demonstrate his powerful teaching technique called "story-drama." (JD)

Discusses a case study of the interaction between the New Christian Right, or Moral Majority, and its humanist opponents. Concludes that because the groups argue from incompatible premises, they cannot share a common moral framework within which to agree. Labels the rhetoric of the two groups reciprocated diatribe. (SRT)

Describes an experimental study of gender segregation in 38 fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Students working in small, experimental, mixed-sex, instructional groups engaged in more cross-sex interactions than students in control groups. Boys in experimental classrooms showed greater preference for working in cross-sex groups. (SA)