A comparison of the performance of 10 employees using the current version of a Corporate Time Reporting Instruction and a revision prepared using Information Mapping (IM) indicates that subjects committed 54 percent fewer errors when using the IM version. Samples of both versions and evaluation forms used are included. (MER)

Newborns were presented with a tape-recorded rattle sound through a single loudspeaker, through two loudspeakers with one onset leading the other by seven msecs., and through two loudspeakers simultaneously. Newborns turned toward the single source sound, but not toward either of the dual source sounds. (Author/RH)

Reports on a survey of students at the University of Oklahoma concerning their opinions of yearbooks in general, toward the "Sooner Yearbook" in particular, and toward their high school yearbooks. Lists five recommendations for improving the "Sooner Yearbook" as a result of the survey. (RL)

Results showed that both groups had a preferred dimension for size over pattern. When size and patterns were combined, the Down's syndrome Ss were confused by the two dimensions, showing preference for one or the other. (Author/DLS)

Investigators administered a toy color-preference test to 160 subjects, 6 months to 4.5 years, equally divided by sex and race. Results indicated that, as a group, age affected color preference. A pro-black bias was found for younger children (under 30 months old). (Author/SJL)

The effects of different types of participation in planning dormitory environments was surveyed using sample populations of students at Cornell University. It was concluded that users want to participate in decisions concerning environments important to them. Participants, it was concluded, want also to work with experts. (RE)

Two experiments investigated why perceptual pretraining facilitates children's performance on concept problems involving a nonpreferred relevant dimension and preferred irrelevant dimensions. (JMB)

The design of housing for the elderly should, insofar as possible, take into account their needs and preferences. Direct solicitation of potential users' views was facilitated by use of slide shows, illustrating specific design alternatives, shown to small groups of the elderly, with concurrent discussion and "voting." (Author)

This research tested the hypothesis that young children's bias to generalize names for solid objects by shape is the product of statistical regularities among nouns in the early productive vocabulary. Fifteen- to 20-month-olds given intensive naming experiences with typical noun categories developed a precocious shape bias and showed accelerated…

Presents an interview with Dr. Lorraine Maxwell, an expert in human-environment relations, about important comfort and health issues to consider when looking at the furniture used as computer workstations in U.S. schools. (EV)

Offers design guidance for school restrooms, emphasizing the importance of keeping them sanitary and functional. Addresses the issues of building codes and American with Disabilities compliance. (EV)

Discusses important considerations when designing early childhood facilities, including adequate space, design features that work for both small children and adults, floorcovering, color, and technology. (EV)

Provides a step-by-step guide to choosing the most appropriate layout for a school newspaper. States that although content is the most important factor, layout is also an integral factor in catching reader interest. Describes formats, the use of body type, headline treatments, and the use of art. Presents a 13-item bibliography with more sources…

The developmental change from global toward dimensional classifications, usually observed in vision, was investigated in haptics with stimuli varying according to their size and roughness. Results indicated that, although more overall similarity classifications were observed in children than in adults, this kind of classification was never…