For the past two decades, increasing numbers of scientists have been optimistic about finding other intelligent life forms in our galaxy. On the other hand, as knowledge has grown regarding how life developed on earth, a scientific counterrevolution has evolved. Simply stated, it questions the inevitability of widespread life within our galaxy,…

Different aspects of human-machine interaction are discussed in the five brief papers that comprise this report. The first paper, "Some Observations on Mental Models," discusses the role of a person's mental model in the interaction with systems. The second paper, "A Psychologist Views Human Processing: Human Errors and Other…

A group of 24 14-year-old students were presented with sets of algebra tasks using the Leeds Modelling System (LMS), a computer-based modeling system. Four months later, these same students were given a paper-and-pencil test which covered comparable tasks set by LMS. In addition, certain students were given detailed diagnostic interviews. A…

This paper reports the results obtained with a group of 24 14-year-old students when presented with a set of algebra tasks by the Leeds Modelling System (LMS). These same students were given a comparable paper-and-pencil test and detailed interviews some 4 months later. The latter studies uncovered several kinds of student misunderstanding that…

This study was conducted to determine how the pattern of learning on an abstract concept, plate tectonics, differed between groups of different cognitive levels, sex, and intelligence quotient (IQ). The intensive time-series design was used to examine the achievement of eighth grade and ninth grade earth science students. The unique characteristic…

The 1983-84 annual report of the President of Harvard University to members of the Board of Overseers addresses the advantages and disadvantages of the utilization of new technologies by a university, comments on the instructional uses of computers (including computer assisted instruction (CAI)) and video technology, and cites specific examples in…

This study used the Montague-Riley Test to introduce a new scoring procedure that revealed errors in cognitive processes occurring at subcomponents of an electricity problem. The test, consisting of four parts with 36 open-ended problems each, was administered to 250 high school students. A computer program, ELTEST, was written applying a…

The descriptions of 200 tests for a variety of language groups are designed for use with the test file maintained by the Evaluation, Dissemination, and Assessment Center for Bilingual Education (EDAC). The content areas covered include reading, mathematics, self-concept, language dominance, language proficiency, and intelligence. Tests are…

Subjects in the study were 29 black and 73 white introductory psychology students, 90% of whom identified themselves as prospective teachers. As part of their classroom work, these students were randomly assigned to read an essay on urban life. Attached to the essay was one of two cover letters describing the theme's writer. These cover letters…

This study was designed to develop an instrument to measure comprehension of oral-language syntactic structures, to establish the validity and reliability of the instrument, and to determine the nature of the relationship between comprehension of syntactic structures in oral language and reading comprehension. The Comprehension of Selected Oral…

Results suggested that auditory-visual integration ability in this sample was developmental; however, the subjects functioned at a lower level than would be expected of middle-class students. The effects of grade level, sex differences, Intelligence Quotient, and single-modality auditory and visual functioning were examined as possible moderating…

To assess and then compare stages of language acquisition in disabled readers with those identified by Chomsky in a study of normal readers, a study examined (1) whether the order of emergence of certain syntactic structures is the same for six to ten-year old disabled readers as it was for Chomsky's normal readers, (2) whether there are…

A study was undertaken to determine (1) the relationship between listening and reading (the receptive language mode) and (2) the relationship of listening and reading to speaking and writing (the generative mode), intellectual ability, self-concept, impulsivity/reflectivity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Sixty grade six students were…

The relationship between intrinsic motivation for school learning and school achievement was investigated. An intrinsic motivation inventory was developed to test the hypotheses that intrinsic motivation is differentiated into specific subject areas for school learning; and for specific subjects is positively, significantly, and differentially…

An important reaction to individuals involved in problem solving is detecting the accuracy of their responses. Prior research has established that young adults are accurate in estimating correctness to responses on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). These findings were extended to the elderly; also considered was whether…