A multidimensional model of mental retardation is proposed, based on medical, behavioral, and social dimensions. The model's theoretical underpinning emphasizes that an individual might be retarded in one or a combination of senses. The model introduces a conception of socially constructed retardation and suggests methods for operationalizing and…

Reasons adolescents are attracted to socially disvalued media contents are explored by reviewing research on media use. The role of the school as a generating context for both delinquency and popular cultural dispositions is emphasized, and a theory of media delinquency is proposed. (SLD)

Past and current research on the effects of foods ingested and food allergies on hyperactivity and other behavior problems are examined in this article. It is argued that evidence supporting a link between diet and behavior is lacking. Methods for correcting widespread public misconceptions on this subject are also discussed. (Author/PB)

Discusses user-centered thinking and lessons from reader-centered theory. Reviews findings from studies by literary theorists on user-centered approaches to information and uses these findings to support and offer two analogies: (1) an analogy between reader and library user; and (2) an analogy between information and the library. (Author/JMV)

Reviews the theory of reasoned action to demonstrate how it can be applied to understanding gang violence, and illustrates its potential applicability to a pilot sample of 30 contemporary and 18 earlier gangs living in a large metropolitan community. Results indicate this theory has been helpful in explaining higher levels of violence in…

Experimentally examines reorganization, a fundamental component of William T. Powers' theory of mind based on the control theory of behavior. Attempts to model reorganization, focusing on improvements in performance with practice and how practice influences attention. Speculates how outputs from higher levels of the control hierarchy are involved…

Discusses the nature of control, examining how organisms as control systems sense or monitor the variable being controlled when responding to environmental changes. Argues that learning is the development of control in an attempt to fit the two phenomena central to traditional learning theory--conditioning and reinforcement--into the broader…

Presents a general model of the information-seeking process. Various aspects of information-seeking behavior are projected over an organizational and behavioral framework; three dimensions of information-seeking behavior are described, i.e., the conditions, the context, and the process; interactions among these dimensions are considered; and…

To the extent that applied behavior analysis represents a scientific and practical approach to the study of behavior, its technological character is essential. The most serious problem evident in the field is not that the research being done is too technical but that more good research of all types is needed. (JDD)

The claim that applied behavior analysis is overly technological is refuted, arguing that instead there is a lack of understanding of how technologies proficiently evolve. The solution lies in integrating basic and applied research sectors and coordinating efforts toward specific goals that are defined and valued by the culture. (JDD)

Explored the interactive effects of three major variables affecting message acceptance: (1) source credibility; (2) degree of recipient involvement; and (3) locus of control. Canadian students (381) evaluated a political party's views and credibility. Found credibility had an impact on message acceptance and externally controlled recipients were…

Examines humorous literature in higher education and categorizes the genre into humorous academic stories and novels, essays, and expressions. Explores the first of these types. Demonstrates that Freud's "superiority theory" is alive and well in humorous campus literature but that it generally does not rise to the instrumental level of pure…

The author uses the term "depraved loneliness" to represent the spiritual sickness alluded to in "Alcoholics Anonymous," arguing that combining these terms to form a single paradigm has not been examined. Germinal qualitative research is necessary, and additional study of this proposed condition is encouraged. (Author)

Tested the theory of planned behavior's (TPB) ability to predict stage of change for physical activity promotion among health professionals. Researchers measured attitudes, subjective norms, intentions, perceived behavioral control, and stage of change, then later reassessed stage of change. TPB variables of attitude, subjective norms, perceived…

An approach based on Skinner's (1957) theory of verbal behavior has been developed to understand and teach elementary communication skills to children with autism and developmental disabilities (Sundberg & Partington, 1998). However, few studies have directly examined the characteristics of emerging language in children with developmental…