The purpose of this essay was to propose a new explanation of collective behavior and to hypothesize the role of communication in this process. Unlike previous theories, which rely on a group effect, this explanation is based on the behavior of individual members of the collectivity. Using the experimental finding of the "risky shift,"…

This book, originally published in German in 1967, is intended to offer a detailed introductory review and discussion of psycholinguistic thought and research over the last two decades. Because it was originally directed to a German audience, the book places strong emphasis on behaviorist psychology, which has had little influence in Europe. The…

This study investigates the effectiveness of an instruction-simulation videotape in training counselor candidates to use counselor-tacting response leads (CTRL's). Such verbal responses are viewed as essential to behavior modification therapy since they operationally define specific behavioral events and the stimulus conditions associated with…

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of an instruction-simulation video tape in training counselor candidates to use counselor-tacting response leads (CTRL). A CTRL is a counselor response which is intended to help the client to be more specific about what he is saying. Subjects were four post-master's degree students enrolled…

In a declining role, the educational philosopher might be able to revive his own role through the current call for educational reform amidst America's latest "educational crisis." The educational issues raised by Illich, Silberman, Skinner and Muller are analyzed in detail for they provide the basis for such a revived role. Particularly,…

Scholars of communication have theorized extensively on the concept of process, but there is a general absence of practical research on the topic. Part of the difficulty in narrowing the gap between theory and research in this area may lie in the use of the term, "the idea of process," in reference to several different, ununified…

This conference report is centered on that phase of the Targeted Research and Development Program in Reading literature search dealing with language development as it relates to reading. Models of language acquisition, hypotheses derived from the models, and comparisons of synthesized models are discussed. Among them are behaviorist (Skinner),…

Modern behavioral scientists have emphasized the importance of environmental influences in human behavior. If the basis for behavior development and change rests within the environment, an understanding and use of the methods of control by change agents, especially teachers, can result in more prosocial behavior. Planned reinforcement could…

This study investigates the nature and stability of verbal behaviors for different contextual purposes in classrooms with varying structures, from traditional to open, utilizing the RCS interaction analysis system modified to code for contextual purpose (cognitive, procedural, social, affective, and behavioral). Eighteen observations were made in…

This chapter reviews selected materials in psychology that are related to the nature of man and his development and that are relevant to a humanistic system of education. Humanistic is used to indicate a concern with the learner as a whole person rather than simply as a disembodied intellect or repository of cognitive processes. In reviewing the…

Research on overcorrection (for use with the mentally handicapped, schizophrenic, and autistic) is reviewed, and two types of overcorrection, restitutional and positive-practice, are described. (BD)

The author presents illustrations of the use of student development theory for college, classroom, and individual levels. The direct use of theory in the practice of student personnel work is discussed. Presented at the American College Personnel Association Convention, March 1977, Denver, Colorado. (Author)

Cultural and political biases in social science research contribute to bias in study methodology, as well as interpretations and conclusions. The work of Herman Witkin and Solomon Asch are discussed and used to demonstrate the effects and limitations of the environment versus ego on male and female perceptions. (AO)

This exploratory study applies Mehrabian and Russell's newly formulated theory of emotion to the problem of explaining television program preference. Results suggest that emotion-eliciting qualities (pleasure, arousal, and dominance) can account for up to 43 percent of the program preference of television viewers. (PD)

Based on research which has followed the behavioral development of 133 subjects from infancy to early adulthood, discusses incidence of behavior disorders, defines the concept of temperament, and briefly discusses findings. Remarks on the usefulness of the "goodness of fit" concept for tracing developmental sequences. (GC)