Subjects (N=48) attempted 24 trials of a psychomotor task to avoid aversive stimulus. Subject-experimenters, with solution expectancies instilled, offered information to subjects. Found that subject-experimenter expectancies were communicated to subjects via periodic comments. Expectancies affected subjects' task performance. Previous similar task…

A study of the compositions and performance of United Methodist-affiliated governing boards is described. The nature and composition of the boards, how characteristics relate to performance ratings, composition of boards by type of institution, the board's involvement in providing direction to the college, and the boards' health are discussed.…

Applies the basic principle of performance to taking tests, poses some alternative views of test performance, and provides some general guidelines that will facilitate improved test-taking. (Author/CM)

Assisted by a team of physicians and sports scientists, the United States Ski Team has developed its own sports medicine program, the purpose of which is to assist coaches and athletes in controlling and optimizing factors which influence skiing performance. A number of biomechanical research projects which have been undertaken as part of this…

Research indicates that the use of volunteer subjects in experiments involving motor performance may result in a selection bias and treatment interaction on certain tasks. (CJ)

Reports two studies investigating how performance information affects interpersonal attraction in children. In both experiments children worked on perceptual problems in simulated groups, received feedback about their own and other group members' performance, and then indicated their desire to interact with selected group members in various…

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) was administered to (N=72) elementary school children. Compared three methods of pretest rapport establishment for each of two age groups. Results found no significant differences on WISC-R scores as a result of the interaction of age and familiarity conditions. (Author)

Responses to the revised version of the Anticipated Task-Orientation (ATO) Scale of 261 undergraduates were factor analyzed. Items associated with communication performance and motivation were similar to those in the original ATO instrument. Items composing the self-confidence factor were loaded on the communication performance factor in the…

The selection of an instructional format is a complex process. Making the selection requires examining not only performance technology but also the technology of survival. Several possible factors to consider are examined, including the political and fiscal considerations. (CT)

Determined that perceived effort and ability of a low-performing group member had an impact on the other members' liking for the low-performing member. Results indicated that when future contact in work or social settings was assumed, group members expressed greater attraction to high-effort than to low-effort partners. (Author/DB)

A study of feedback delay, expectation, and development was conducted in grades four, six, and eight, to assess whether feedback on a school related learning task serves an informational or reinforcing function. Results indicate that feedback serves an informational function and delayed feedback facilitates retention, contrary to reinforcement…

The effects of test setting (home vs classroom) on the sensorimotor performance of seven Down's syndrome infants were examined. Results indicated that test performance was minimally affected by test setting, but that intrasetting interindividual invariance in performance was less stable when the subjects were tested in a classroom environment.…

Highlights some research findings concerning whether procedures used by shorthand teachers do in fact represent the most effective methodology for the teaching and learning of shorthand. Discusses accuracy, reading, homework, dictation materials, dictation and recording skills, individualized instruction, and transcription. (CT)

Should student personnel departments implement MBO (management by objectives)? Yes. Experience and research have shown that MBO can have a positive effect on key aspects of campus management. To do this, however, the college must make a substantial, ongoing commitment to the program, and the program must have campus-wide support at all levels.…

Reports on the development and measurement of a course to improve the communicative performance of tax enforcement officers. Includes an account of a unique content-analytic system for measuring communicative performance in situations considered flexibly formulaic transactions with objectives and prescribed strategies. (JMF)