This article traces the roots of narrative research in the social sciences and education, then centers on "story constellations," a version of narrative inquiry that uncovers teachers' knowledge of school reform in context. A fluid form of investigation that unfolds in a three-dimensional inquiry space, story constellations consists of a flexible…

It has been suggested that the differences observed for dyslexic readers compared to normal readers on tasks measuring visual sensitivity may simply be the result of differences between the two groups in general cognitive ability and/or attentional engagement. One common way to accommodate this proposal is to match normal and dyslexic readers on…

Alternative approaches to evaluating critical thinking skills are needed, as pencil and paper assessments may not accurately predict simulated or actual clinical performance. To ensure patient safety, it is imperative to determine how to best promote and measure critical thinking skills. Few studies have examined how these skills are related to…

The book is a highly readable integration of the latest assessment policies, and includes valuable information regarding young children with special needs and English Language Learners--topics that have rarely been touched upon in other textbooks. Focusing on practical applications of key concepts, this text provides a knowledge base of what every…

This report systematically reviews research on the outcomes of programs that teach young children in a group setting before they begin kindergarten. Study inclusion criteria included the use of randomized or matched control groups, evidence of initial equality, and study duration of at least 12 weeks. Studies included valid measures of language,…

Rudolf Arnheim, former Harvard Professor of the Psychology of Art, developed a theory that the perception of the structure of things in the world is based on simultaneous use of two primary systems: (1) the cosmic system of concentricity and (2) the parochial system of the Cartesian grid. The Cartesin grid imposes order, while the concentric…

The research question addressed was whether sex differences in cognitive ability are smaller in younger age groups than in older age groups. A battery of 12 aptitude tests measuring visualization, spatial orientation, perceptual speed, associative memory, number memory, eidetic memory, spatial scanning, visual memory, and flexibility of closure…

Focuses on a unique measurement procedure which allows students to indicate when and the extent to which they guess on an examination. Suggests that such a procedure increases the accuracy of information derived from objective tests. (MH)

This study tests the hypothesis that resistance to interference as measured by Stroop Color and Word Test is related to psychopathology. College student subjects were classified into three groups on the basis of their Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profile high points. Subjects' cognitive interference scores significantly…

Major reasons for the continuing divergency of opinion as regards the nature and meaning of intelligence are examined. An appraisal of intelligence as a relative concept is proposed which advocates the necessity of specifying the reference systems to which a statement about intelligence refers. (EH)

Schizophrenic and normal subjects' responses to the Stanford-Binet Vocabulary items, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Vocabulary items, and the WAIS Similarities items were scored by two methods, one relatively strict and the other relatively lenient. (Editor)

The purpose of this study was to identify features of young children's behavior that contribute to effective problem solving. A total of 24 children 4 and 5 years of age, half from low socioeconomic status (SES) families and half from high, were observed while performing perceptual/performance cognitive tasks. Five tasks were presented. All test…

Comparisons between individuals who attempt suicide and those who complete suicide have shown that the two groups are not necessarily from the same population. Similar comparisons have not been reported between attempters and individuals who voice thoughts of suicide but make no overt attempt (ideators). Since therapists are commonly required to…

The secondary task method is utilized to assess cognitive capacity usage during, and immediately following, interspersed mathemagenic questions of different levels. The method also assesses the relationship between this usage and prose material recalled or recognized from differing positions and different types. The experiment involved 120…

Clarifies the difference between the Piagetian Conservation of Liquid Quantity task and the Conservation of Volume task and provides an alternative test for the presence of formal operational thought. (JR)