This autoinstructional lesson deals with the study of genetics. It is a learning activity for so-called middle achievers in grade 10 biology classes. Previous knowledge of the process of mitosis and meiosis are important requirements. Behavioral objectives are suggested. Approximately 20 minutes are needed to complete the instructional unit. The…

The controversy over the causes of intelligence--genetic or environmental--is reviewed. More specifically, the subject of the consistently lower intelligence scores for blacks is analyzed. Much attention is devoted to Jensen and his monograph published in the "Harvard Educational Review," entitled "How much can we boost IQ and scholastic…

The facts that black Americans at all ages have higher blood pressure levels and higher mortality rates from hypertension than whites provided the impetus for this study. In their efforts to discover whether the level of blood pressure within and between black and white groups is related more to stress or to genetic factors, the researchers…

This collection contains 42 objectives with six related evaluation items for each objective. An effort was made to present these objectives at a level and in an organization easily adaptable to the elementary curriculum. The major goals of the collection are: 1) to present elementary students with a different way of looking at man and his…

Heritability is defined as the proportion of a manifested trait's varience that is due to genetic variation. Sixty-five pairs of twins were employed to investigate the heritability of: (1) short term memory (Jensen's Level 1), operationalized using of modified "digit span" test; (2) the general intellective factor (Jensen's Level II),…

Scarr and Weinberg's results (Intelligence, 1977) are compared to those of similar adoption studies and found to be quite similar, despite the transracial adoption patterns in Scarr and Weinberg's sample. The author also suggests that the major contribution of behavioral genetics to psychology may be our increased understanding of the environment.…

Flow-diagrams, algorithms, decision logic tables, and concept maps are presented in detail as methods for teaching practical procedures, problem solving, and basic concepts in microbial genetics. It is suggested that the flexible use of these methods should lead to an improved understanding of microbial genetics. (Author/MA)

Describes benefits and techniques for utilizing Mormoniella vitripennis (jewel wasps) in teaching biology. Feeding, courtship, egg-laying, and insect behavior investigations are presented. (SL)

Reviews a fictitious case study used as a values-clarifying teaching strategy for students of human genetics and bioethics. (SL)

To further practitioners' understanding of shyness, this review of research discusses (1) origins of shyness, (2) cognition and shyness, (3) situational factors affecting shy behavior, (4) social difficulties of shy children, (5) shyness and sex differences, (6) persistence of shyness, and (7) ways for caregivers to help the shy child. (RH)

Discusses one mechanism proposed for the two-step initiation/promotion scenario of the development of cancer called oncogenes and a possible alternate mechanism that may prevent tumors from developing. Uses the example of retinoblastoma to illustrate the mechanisms. States that these mechanisms may not be caused by the activation of oncogenes. (CW)

IQ scores from five kinship categories of 7- to 12-year-olds were analyzed into genetic and environmental components. The common environmental effects were larger for older children than younger children. Overall, the Genetic and Common Environment Sources each accounted for approximately 40% of the IQ variability in the data. (Author/LMO)

The present study is a behavioral genetic analysis of specific cognitive abilities in early childhood. Parent-offspring data for adopted children and nonadopted children in the Colorado Adoption Project were used. Significant correlations were found between biological mothers' IQ and the IQ of offspring, but not for specific cognitive abilities.…

Compares the spelling errors on the Wide Range Achievement Test II made by adults with an apparent autosomal dominant form of dyslexia to those made by their normal adult relatives and by spelling-age matched normal controls using a computerized error evaluation program. (HOD)

Presents aims and objectives for a genetics course and indicates potential difficulties in teaching this subject area. Offers methods for determining and dealing with these difficulties and outlines assessment strategies for the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor areas. (ML)