This paper reviews the research on the relationship between the fragile x syndrome (FXS) and autism. Findings indicate that FXS is not a cause of autism, although the number of individuals with FXS and autism is higher than chance. FXS is seen to be a well-defined neurogenetic disease in contrast with autism, a relatively poorly defined behavioral…

This introduction to a special issue on postmodernism and behavior disorders discusses problems with the definition of postmodernism, including the trend for people to label whatever they wish as postmodern, the inability to separate postmodern from the modern, and the subjectivity of defining which ideas are about "reality" or "truth." (CR)

This article examines recent discussion about changing the term "mental retardation" within the broader framework of three distinct processes: naming (terminology), defining, and classifying. The current status of each process is described, especially as represented in the 1992 American Association on Mental Retardation manual. Guiding…

Discusses some concepts of contemporary feminism as exemplified in Christina Hoff Sommers's controversial book "Who Stole Feminism: How Women Have Betrayed Women." Also discusses (and takes issue with) Robert Pula's definition of feminism in "A General Semantics Glossary." Encourages readers to follow the debates of feminist…

This commentary on an operational definition of learning disabilities (proposed by S. Shaw and others) considers benefits of the proposed definition, such as clarification of discrepancy issues and flexibility, but raises questions concerning the proposed levels in the definition, the role of clinical judgment, and legal considerations. (DB)

Addresses two questions related to the structure of technology education: (1) What is the content base of technology education? and (2) What common processes do technicians, technologists, and engineers share? (Author)

This discussion of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) points out ICIDH merits, applications, and problems concerning definitions of basic terms of the ICIDH. It suggests that the model of the consequences of disease underlying the ICIDH should be developed further to a…

States that the term "management communication" has not been defined, and the discipline has no focus. Calls for research within the managerial context--difficult for professors to understand because managers and academics operate in different environments. Finds that obstacles exist to conducting valuable management communication…

Finds that, of the disciplines under discussion in this special issue, corporate communication is the newest, least understood, and the only one specifically related to a functional area within organizations. Defines corporate communication as a discipline. Examines how it relates to other subdisciplines under consideration (management…

Notes that the field of communication is gaining momentum and respect. Points out that the task of definition for any field of study is one of process. Discusses the four position articles presented in this special issue. (PA)

Argues that a good procedure for starting an essay is to define the topic's central concept, looking up the word in reference books and looking carefully at what it means to the student personally. (SR)

Investigates the relationship between college undergraduate students' (N=102) beliefs about the definition of mental illness and their tolerance toward individuals with mental illnesses. Results show that students with broad and inclusive definitions of mental illness had more benevolent, less authoritarian, and less socially restrictive attitudes…

Describes a program evaluation system in which the review of programs' definitions of success serve as indicators of stated goals and changes in programs. Review of definitions of success of eight programs suggests information that programs want to use in making decisions across the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delinquency prevention services. (SLD)

Examines the prevailing definitions and responsibilities of product, network, and system integrators for building automation systems; offers a novel approach to system integration; and sets realistic expectations for the owner in terms of benefits, outcomes, and overall values. (EV)

Defines knowledge management, its components, processes, and outcomes. Addresses the importance of knowledge management for higher education in general and for institutional research in particular. (EV)