Argues that carefully selected, adolescent novels can foster young people's moral development and describes the four essential characteristics such books should display: a moral dilemma, identified alternatives, moral reasoning, and a moral decision. (HOD)

Major findings were (1) White subjects and males in this investigation were reared in an ideologically nondirectional situation, making them relativistic in their moral judgments; (2) Black subjects and females followed a directional process resulting in a moral realistic orientation; and (3) socioeconomic factors did not bear strongly on the type…

This document presents the proceedings of the Reinvention Center's second major conference, "Integrating Research into Undergraduate Education: The Value Added," co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The goal of the conference was to distill the distinct characteristics of the…

This paper examines the phenomena of shame and shaming from both psychological and sociocultural perspectives. Shame is generally viewed as a private, self-conscious experience in which individuals feel that a weakness or vulnerability has been exposed not only to others but also to themselves leaving them feeling deficient and humiliated. Shaming…

Measured the effect of confidentiality, parental influence, and peer influence on the moral judgment of ninth-grade students (N=274). Participants completed the Defining Issues Test and were told results would be either confidential or shared with parents or peers. Results suggest the moral judgment of ninth graders is not stable. (JAC)

Reports the results of a five-year case study of the use of online tools, including the Internet, e-mail, and the World Wide Web, in a graduate School of Education. Highlights include use of activity theory as a conceptual framework; self-efficacy and perceived value; scaffolding; and recommendations for future developments. (Author/LRW)

Examines research and theory relative to the process of moral judgment development within the family environment. Analyzes the family's unique contribution to the development of moral judgment, the role of modeling by family members, and the ideal familial environment. Implications for moral education are addressed. (KO)

Two studies explored preschool, second-, and fifth-grade children's moral and dispositional judgments as influenced by an actor's efforts. Findings indicated that older children's judgments and predictions reflected coordination of the actor's effort with information about the actor's anticipated goal. Preschool children focused more on the…

Examines the black middle-class response to "The Cosby Show." The study asked about the portrayal of blacks in the media, but did not specifically ask about "The Cosby Show." Results from 100 respondents revealed two significant aspects: that the show renders black problems as irrelevant and that it fosters hope and optimism…

Investigated the role of disconfirming behavioral information and the limits on social class schema effects. Using a Bayesian model of social perception, it was found that unambiguous, relevant stimulus information influenced judgments. Although social class information did not affect relevant stimulus information, it did sway judgments in…

A study of middle-class second, fifth, and eighth graders showed the development of tolerant responses toward those who dissented from their opinions. Willingness to interact socially with dissenters did not develop. (BB)

Investigates whether congruence in value perspectives distinguishes science-able students who persist in science from those who do not. Results with 173 undergraduates with high commitment and ability in science confirm the associations between value congruence and science persistence. For all students, justice is the dominant perspective…

The natural graphic talents of very young children do not deteriorate with age. Rather, aesthetic symbols are progressively devalued in the curriculum. Greater acknowledgement of the importance of graphic symbolization will improve symbolic literacy and contribute to cognitive development. (SK)

Discusses Gilligan's explanation of the distinction between justice and care. Describes how she contrasts the two notions and explores the possibility of encompassing care within Piagetian developmental theory. Reviews Gilligan's position on justice and care as different forms of moral judgment. Examines different interpretations of universality…

The study investigated variables relating to the attribution of censure by 99 teachers and 162 social workers to a 14-year-old victim of father-daughter incest, the father, and nonparticipating mother. Responses were influenced by the level of resistance, the girl's other sexual experiences, and respondents' sex and occupation. (Author/JDD)