Assesses the value of a counselor-led training program for teachers and investigates its effects on classroom environment, student behavior, student achievement and attendance, and locus of control. Results indicate a significant improvement in overall student achievement and in internalized locus of control in the first and fifth grades. (RJM)

Presents a concentric research design model based on need for research which transcends individuals' historic or experiential bias concerning choice of study design, tools, and data reduction strategies. Describes the following "rings": theory/knowledge orientation; theory versus applied research; quantitative versus qualitative research…

A multimethod exploration of undergraduates' high-speed Internet use in residence halls took a uses-and-gratifications approach and revealed Internet use as integral to students' lives. Students' negative comments about Internet distractions from academic work led to identification of an individual difference variable, internal locus of control of…

Argues that the written medium can provide culturally diverse students with opportunities for self-expression and empowerment. Advocates a reciprocal interaction model of teaching writing to non-English speakers that allows for student control and capitalizes on student interests. (FMW)

Describes a study which used scales based on Rotter's social learning theories to predict absenteeism among community college students. Only two variables were significantly related to avoidable absences: high concern for grades was related to high absenteeism and belief in the importance of attendance for learning was related to low absenteeism.…

Fifty-three women categorized as incongruent (extreme difference between personality and occupation as categorized by Holland) completed instruments measuring job satisfaction, vocational aspiration, interpersonal competence, self-acceptance, and locus of control. Contrary to expectations, most expressed good-to-high levels of job satisfaction,…

D. Meichenbaum's cognitive behavior modification theory was applied in a study of 30 first graders and 25 third graders who exhibited mild classroom problem behaviors. Results of the controlled study indicate that the self-instructional training method derived from the theory is a viable classroom management option for regular education. (TJH)

Examines the effects of headings and adjunct questions embedded in expository text on the delayed multiple-choice test performance of college students. Finds that headings may promote the organization of passage information so as to increase its general availability, while the overall effect of adjunct questions was not significant. (MM)

Reviews research on the theory of internal-external (IE) control expectancies over the past 30 years. Relates the IE to the following current attributions and personal styles: (1) perceived control; (2) helplessness; and (3) optimism, particularly in regard to health. (FMW)

Two laboratory studies examined self- and socially caused behavior. Found that subjects who preferred socially caused behavior were more likely to choose spontaneous interactions with strangers (Study 1) and were more accurate in assessing their own influence over behavior of others in self-disclosure task (Study 2) than were those who preferred…

Investigated gender differences among first-year medical students' attitudes toward discussion-oriented behavioral science course, performance on course essay, and locus of control. Found that female students generally evaluated course more favorably than did males, and scored more externally on locus of control measure. Found no sex differences…

The author of EC 608 658 reflects on her interest in the social life of students with learning disabilities, the relationship of her study to other studies on social behavior and self-concept, the finding that students with learning disabilities attribute both internal and external factors for successful outcomes, and the importance of attribution…

Female Mexican American high school students attended presentations by Hispanic female role models in business, academic, and professional careers. Although student questionnaires suggested high levels of career and educational aspirations and self-efficacy, focus-group comments indicated external locus of control and feelings of isolation and…

Examined the effects of perceived control and close alternative outcomes on counterfactual generation (thoughts of what could have been). Subjects played a "wheel of fortune" game in which they controlled one of two wheels. Results supported the idea that people generate counterfactuals about events over which they have perceived…

Examined impact of outcome controllability on counterfactual thoughts (thoughts of what could have been). Two studies showed that outcome controllability affected counterfactual direction: thoughts on how things could have been better were more frequent following controllable outcomes, and thoughts on how things could have been worse followed…