Investigates the interaction of syntax, semantics, and pragamatics from the perspectives of functional constraints on sentence processing. Findings reveal that native speakers of Italian first become aware of the importance of the concept of word order in a second language before being able to determine the specifics of word order in that…

This study was designed to investigate Nigerian elementary teachers' apathy towards use of equipment in instruction and to verify possible links with technophobia. Subjects demonstrated lack of knowledge of educational technology and only slight traces of technophobia. It was suggested that teachers should receive rigorous training in educational…

Several methods for dealing with incomplete multivariate data and ways to examine the effectiveness of these methods are discussed. It is concluded that pairwise and listwise deletions are among the least effective methods in terms of approximating the results, whereas estimates based on correlational procedures generally produce the most accurate…

A checklist was developed to assess congruence between needs identified by psychoeducational assessment and instructional goals of the Individualized Education Program. Use with records of 106 behaviorally disordered students (K-12) suggested lack of diagnostic-intervention congruence and dissimilarity between IEP goals and diagnostic/assessment…

This study examined halo in raters' beliefs of item (attribute) relatedness. College students' prior beliefs of the co-occurrence of teaching attributes were correlated with actual correlation of teaching attributes of fictional college professors. Results showed some support for beliefs-of-relatedness source of halo. (LMO)

This article discusses the circumstances under which unequal sample size in the two-group study can arise and result in an attenuated point-biserial correlation. Formulas are provided for correcting the coefficient either directly or through the mediation of relevant statistics found in studies where the coefficient itself is not reported.…

The relation between Loevinger's measure of ego development and moral development as indexed by Rest's Defining Issue Test was examined in a sample of 517 adolescents between 12 and 21 years of age. The existence of a strong relationship between the moral and ego development during adolescence was clearly supported. (Author/LMO)

The Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale and the Mathematics Attribution Scale were administered to 107 gifted high school students. Both scales' assessments of the attribution of school success and failure to effort and ability were significantly correlated. Limited support for their convergent validity was indicated. (Author/GDC)

Field dependence and spatial ability are examined as different labels for a common underlying dimension. Sixty college students completed two tests of field dependence and two tests of spatial ability. Results of an analysis of covariance found no evidence to view the two traits as distinct from each other. (Author/LMO)

The effects of family structure and parental discord on the self-esteem of 199 female undergraduates were investigated. Family structure and happiness ratings were substantially related, with those separated rated as less happy. Parental discord appeared to lower the self-esteem of daughters, whereas separation of parents did not. (Author/LMO)

This study investigates the relationship between performance in professional course work and performance in the practicum in a professional year program for prospective elementary teachers. Results indicate little relationship between theoretical course work and student teaching performance. Implications for teacher education depend upon…

In a longitudinal investigation, the subscales of the Dimensions of Self-Concept revealed declining predictive validity coefficients relative to criteria of secondary school grades. However, the Level of Aspiration subscale consistently exhibited significant predictive validities of student success during each of four time segments. (Author/DWH)

Examines the relationship between personality, as represented by Rotter's internal versus external control of reinforcement (locus of control), and frequency of public library use by university freshmen. Review of literature, hypothesis for study, definitions (independent and dependent variables), methodology and data collection, and findings are…

Examined relationships among cognitive complexity (social perception skill), verbal ability, and communication competence in classroom communication. Found (1) moderate correlations between cognitive complexity and verbal ability and between communication competence and verbal ability and (2) minimal association between the overall communication…

The application and use of hierarchical models is illustrated, using the example of the structure of attitudes toward a new product and a print advertisement. Subjects were college students who responded to seven-point bipolar scales. Hierarchical models were better than nonhierarchical models in conceptualizing attitude but not intention. (GDC)