This study had two purposes: (1) to determine when children distinguish ambiguous from precise messages and when they can resolve ambiguity through additional questioning, and (2) to identify whether implicit messages were more difficult to identify than explicit ones. All children found ambiguous messages significantly more difficult to…

Evaluated differences among neglectful, behavior-problem, and normal mothers in their reports of child behavior problems and observed verbal behavior with children in situations requiring differing degrees of maternal control. Relative to normal mothers, behavior-problem mothers were most negative and were as controlling as neglectful mothers…

Examines characteristics of the mental processes required for writing, compares and contrasts the nature of processing required for other cognitive activities, and reviews recent research on children's writing that reveals the advantages as well as disadvantages of superimposing writing skills over well-developed language skills. (HOD)

Discusses stylistic variation in communication, the elements involved (participants, contact, message, context, and code), and ways in which to incorporate the knowledge of this process in second language instruction. (AM)

Addresses the problem of how to adapt a "talking treatment" for use with abusive and neglectful families. The concept of a family's "verbal accessibility," or readiness to communicate, can assist workers in understanding these families and designing the most effective plan for treatment. (Author)

The influence of student task interest and of usable performance feedback on the effectiveness of verbal reinforcement was investigated in fifth graders who received approval, disapproval, or neutral reinforcement. Neither reinforcement nor reinforcement-task variable interaction provided enough motivation to improve accuracy of task performance.…

It was hypothesized that distinctive verbal processing styles would be characteristic of different social classes and different sexes, and that these differences could be largely explained by earlier socialization experiences. (BW)

Social interaction and play behavior were compared in community-based infant day care and at home for two matched groups of 18-month-old infants. Adult-infant, infant-peer, and infant-toy interaction were time-sampled. (Author/SS)

Describes a study conducted to analyze the verbal interactions of children assigned to multiage classrooms. Subjects were children aged 3 to 11 years. (CM)

Notes that recent research suggests a curvilinear relationship between teacher immediacy behaviors and student learning. Investigates these variables as they occur in relationships between college professors and students. Finds positive, linear relationships between (1) teacher nonverbal and verbal immediacy and perceived cognitive, affective, and…

Examines life styles of the inhabitants of Sele, a village in the Slovene-speaking minority area of Austria, over two decades and presents statistics demonstrating enormous changes in work and marriage patterns, which, with educational changes, reflect the surge in mobility and communication of the 20th century. Also examined are four aspects of…

Defines behaviors that fall under the rubric of second language (L2) learner strategies and classifies different types of verbal report, indicating areas where it has contributed to the understanding of L2 learner strategies. Focuses on problematic issues regarding the use of verbal reports and notes ways to refine verbal report methods. (62…

Parents (N=239) of preschool children with either a speech-language impairment, different disability, or no disability completed a survey of home literacy experiences. Significantly different activities and interactions with print were available to the children with speech-language impairments. Results suggest these children are exposed to print…

Examined was the possibility that the language teachers use to communicate science content may provide the context in which students formulate a world view of science. Results are presented and the implications of these results for teacher education programs are discussed. (Author/CW)

Discusses using the geologic history of the Paleozoic era for presentations. Describes methodology involved including data collection, summarizing and presentations. Notes the approach has received an enthusiastic response from students and is a rewarding change from the traditional lecture format. (Author/MVL)