The concept of autonomous identity, derived from Piaget's theory of personality, is distinguished from other applications of the term "autonomy" in psychological theory. Introductory comments suggest that both biological and mental development express autonomy in the same two senses: as self-regulating and progressively self-liberating.…

A study examined the extent to which organizations in three New England states valued newly hired older workers. Telephone interviews were conducted with 105 directors of human resources (DHRs) and with 113 director supervisors from a broad range of organizations. Major dependent variables were general employer motivations and expectations related…

The work of the ethicist Charles Curran and the problem-solving strategy of the mixed consequentialist ethical model are applied to a traditional social science measurement problem--that of how to adjust a recommended standard in order to be fair to the test-taker and society. The focus is on criterion-referenced teacher certification tests.…

Some research has shown that women's achievements in traditionally masculine fields are devalued. To determine if females would be judged more harshly than males for performing unethical behaviors in order to gain entry in competitive professions, and to examine gender differences in the evaluation of unethical conduct, college students (52 males…

While research examining altruism has relied on subject responses to written vignettes rather than actual altruism-eliciting situations, the relationship between written responses and actual behavior has not been established. To assess the degree to which some classic social/psychological behavior results could be replicated using short, written…

Examined how adolescents reason as they make choices about drug use. Findings from students (N=54) from two eighth grade classes showed that middle school students seemed to reason at higher stages of moral development on abstract social dilemmas than on drug-related dilemmas, and that girls reasoned at higher stages of moral development on…

This article defines educational evaluation; describes its role in education; and compares and contrasts it to measurement, research, and learner appraisal. Evaluation is shown to have an important role in play in education, notably in relation to program improvement. Limitations of educational evaluation are noted. (Author/JAZ)

A survey examined the degree to which the attitudes of undergraduates diverge from those they impute to their parents and converge with those they impute to their friends. The results showed a surprising degree of agreement with parents, especially in relation to substance abuse and conventional morality. (KH)

Results of factor and correlational analyses of the Ethical Behavior Rating Scale (EBRS) are reported. The test-retest method and internal consistency estimates yielded reliability coefficients. Construct validity was determined by correlating the EBRS with items from the Ethical Reasoning Inventory. The EBRS reflects the behavioral aspects of…

This study examined the effects of instruction in aesthetic principles and technical skills on aesthetic and technical qualities of fourth and fifth graders' photographs. Results indicate children receiving technical and aesthetic instruction produced photographs rated as having improved more on aesthetic qualities than those by students receiving…

The central policy issue in the elitist-populist controversy is what works of art are to be included in curricula. Elitists defend the choice of exemplary pieces of art as instructional materials; populists find this advocacy of exemplars restrictive. How the choice of aesthetic exemplars constitutes a curriculum issue is discussed. (RM)

Apparently positive behaviors, such as praise, help-giving and pity, may indicate low estimation of ability to the student, and blame, relative neglect, and anger may be perceived by the recipient as high estimations of ability. These behaviors influence recipient self-perception and determine expectations, affective reactions and performance.…

A study compared moral reasoning patterns of 17 violent children (ages 10-13) with emotional and behavioral disorders and their aggressive parents to matched controls. When presented with family and peer violence scenarios, the violent children and parents referred more to rules prohibiting provocation rather than to rules prohibiting physical…

Reports findings of a questionnaire-based study of graduates of the Diploma in Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana (Africa) regarding their practical placement experience. Discusses perceived value of the practical placement, problems relating to the management of the program, inadequate supervision, and suggestions for…

Reviews studies examining differences in moral schema development, using techniques that range from measuring implicit knowledge (such as the defining issues test) and explicit knowledge (such as with the moral judgment interview). Finds significant differences in the comprehension of moral narratives based on age/education and level of expertise.…