Study sought to measure the relationship between the preference for complexity-asymmetry on the Welsh Figure Preference Tests and the degree of differentiation of form on a figure drawing task. Data indicated that passive appreciative behaviors were quite distinct from active manipulative behaviors in art learning experiences. (Author)

Results clearly show a preference for correctly classified familiar shapes over their novel counterparts. (Authors)

In order to understand the dynamic influences of the physical environment on seating behavior, a longitudinal study was made of seating choices in the reading area of a university library. Based on analysis, a predictive model was outlined that extrapolates observed behavior in a space to new environmental settings. (BL)

The hypothesis that perceptual development proceeds from less to greater dimensional separability was tested by giving a speeded classification task to first and fourth graders. Results supported the hypothesis that development proceeds toward greater flexibility of attention rather than simply toward increasing separability. (Author/DB)

Students in a community design class worked with fifth- and sixth-grade students in planning and constructing models for a local elementary school playground. (MLF)

Describes a study of journalism students that indicated that they slightly preferred front page designs that were ultramodern, followed in order by designs that were traditional, modified traditional, and contemporary. Reports that prior education in editing classes appeared to affect responses. (TJ)

The authors stress the need to design an individualized living plan for handicapped individuals which would protect the needs of this special population and create a variety of programs to foster alternate living arrangements. (PHR)

Reports on the Smithsonian Institution's four-day international symposium on "Children in Museums." (RMH)

A previously-reported experiment designed to determine if newborn infants can distinguish between an object and a picture of that object is flawed. The experimental design and an improved design are discussed. (BB)

This study examined the relation between number conservation and attention to number, density, and length or area in 86 kindergarteners and 18 third graders. (Author/SB)

What can be done to transform a lump of wet clay into something more than a lump of glaze-fired clay? It is at this point when forming techniques have been mastered that good design becomes most important. Discusses six criteria involved in the search for good design so that students can discover what good design is and how important it is.…

Cardinal-ordinal abilities and attentional preferences of kindergarten nonconservers, kindergarten conservers, and third grade conservers of number were compared by employing standarized versions of Piagetian cardinal-ordinal tasks and a triad preference task. (Author/JMB)

Presents four articles that provide suggestions for teaching document design: (1) "Teaching the Rhetoric of Document Design" (Michael J. Hassett); (2) "Teaching by Example: Suggestions for Assignment Design" (Marilyn A. Dyrud); (3) "Teaching the Page as a Visual Unit" (Bill Hart-Davidson); and (4) "Designing a…

Describes "black box theaters," an increasingly important part of performance arts facilities on school campuses. Discusses the benefits of this design and five design characteristics (keeping it small, providing circulation, creating a mezzanine gallery, reconsidering black, and remembering storage space) that help to optimize performance quality…

Discusses trends in student preferences regarding on-campus housing, and the financing and delivery methods that campuses are using to provide for these wishes. (EV)