Previous approaches to impression formation from verbal information are discussed. A "holistic reference" approach is presented which proposes that a person first calls to mind the reference of the verbal description as a whole, and then evaluates that reference. (Editor)

Predicts the areas and direction of instructional change in the community college future, including increased commitment to the systems approach to instruction, heavier use of media and technology, more flexible delivery systems, and heightened interest in evaluation. (JDS)

Discusses strategy planning (the analysis of proposed policies in terms of their future consequences) and the way it is performed in the Florida State Department of Education. (IRT)

How a cluster analysis is conducted, validated, and interpreted is illustrated using a 14-scale behavioral assessment instrument and a national sample of 1,228 elementary school students. Method, cluster typology, validity, cluster structure, and prediction of cluster membership are discussed. (Author/SLD)

Explored individual-difference factors that might differentially predict perceived gender discrimination in a sample of 138 female and 157 male undergraduates. Differences in gender patterns in the relationship of self-esteem to perceptions of discrimination suggest that perceptions of discrimination serve different purposes for structurally…

Explains strengths and weaknesses of work force projection and forecasting approaches for determining supply and demand of skilled workers. Discusses how and why job training providers should use labor market analysis as the basis for planning relevant programs. (SK)

Studied the relationship between performance of challenging out-of-school activities and real-world talent in art, drama, social leadership, and dance in four separate studies of high school students (total n=222) in grades 9 through 12. The strong relationship between predictor and criterion in each of the four domains demonstrated the concurrent…

Presents three different, complementary statistical models for predicting faculty tenure dynamics, using data from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts). The difference equation model exactly describes future behavior but requires complete specification. The Markov-chain model can predict the full life-cycle of tenure from initial age…

It is argued that consequential validity is a concept worth considering. The solution to defining "validity" is not to narrow the concept, but to allow for the differential prediction provided by tests in different circumstances. Consequences of the uses and interpretations of test scores are central to their evaluation. (SLD)

Child and caregiver conversations were studied within a highly redundant caretaking routine in a preschool setting with six children and three caregivers. Results suggest that the hypothesis of predictability and semantic contingency are of relevance in explaining how children learn to talk about the here-and-now. (SLD)

Conducted performance monitoring of at-risk and not-at-risk students in a general biology course for non-science majors, using Marsh's Biomathematical Skills Test (BST), grades, gender, rank, and self-concept and nature of science surveys. Data supported the usefulness of the BST. At-risk students performed less well than not-at-risk students on…

Classroom observations and supervisor evaluations were made of 12 certified second-year secondary agriculture teachers. Agricultural education coursework and grade point average were predictive of teaching performance. None of seven certification measures explained variance in performance. Supervisors who were interviewed rated cognitive and…

Three studies examined development of the perception of temporally unidirectional transformation, such as dropping blocks, with 3.5- to 6.5-year-olds who compared forward and backward videotapes of events or made individual judgments of what would happen if action were attempted. Findings indicated that even 3.5- to 4.5-year-olds recognized the…

Identified items from Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) that differentiated eating-disordered women (n=173) currently receiving treatment for bulimia from non-eating-disordered university women (n=265). Results identified a list of statements related to social withdrawal and depression that may be appropriate for use in assessing a…

A survey of the presidents of the South's "best" colleges and universities, as reported by a national news magazine, indicates how presidents use their time, how they predict they will use their time, and what they think is the best preparation for the college presidency. (Author/MSE)