Uses psychological research to examine affirmative action policy, noting that many studies indicate that affirmative action as a policy has more benefits than costs. Discusses issues of merit, asserting that affirmative action policy conforms to the American ideal of fairness and is a necessary policy. Suggests that affirmative action is superior…

A teacher at a Knoxville college preparatory school challenges his students to analyze stereotypes about Appalachia and recognize that acceptance of their own Appalachian-ness is vital to their personal well-being and that of the region. Comparisons of Appalachians with Hispanics in northern New Mexico reveal common issues of land use, cultural…

Reviews recent research on the different ways in which male and female students communicate with women and men faculty. Concludes with recommendations women faculty may implement to reduce behaviors that create and sustain a "chilly" classroom climate. (KEH)

Reports on a research project in Great Britain that investigated the option schemes and career guidance given to pupils in eight secondary schools. Argues that schools do not take positive action to encourage female pupils to study computer science courses and that career guidance personnel feel that sex-stereotyped choices are influenced by…

Investigated was the effect of the Scientist in Residence Program to inspire elementary school children with their personal enthusiasm for science. Describes changes in the students' image of scientists using the Draw-a-Scientist Test before and after the program. Discusses the results of written responses and feedback from scientists. (YP)

Investigated effects of family employment structure on adolescents' (N=176) participation in family chores. Results indicated that dual-earner families were more sexist than traditional families with respect to time in chores demanded of sons and daughters. Although traditional families required equal amounts of chore time from sons and daughters,…

African-American intellectuals are poorly represented in American television discussion programs. Although there are talk shows dedicated to Black opinion and issues, commercial television presents the unfounded impression of a shortage of African-American intellectual talent, suggesting contribution to society-wide political and socioeconomic…

Rejects sociobiological theories on female academic achievement and bases findings on social structure to explain why undergraduate women at Oxford University (England) achieve fewer first places and more second places in class honors. Bases theory on bipolarity of gender as an organizing principle of society. Claims that the double bind of social…

The impact of teacher and student sex differences and student assessment of teacher sex role orientation on student attitudes toward learning was examined with 252 undergraduate students, each evaluating 1 teacher. Results do not support the sex role congruency hypothesis. Students were more affected by overall teacher qualities. (SLD)

This analysis of 12,266 responses to the 3 Self-Description Questionnaires (which measure dimensions of self-concept in preadolescence) examined age and sex effects during preadolescence and early adulthood and alternative operationalizations of the proposition that self-concept becomes more differentiated with age. Well-defined factor structures…

This study examined the effect of provided individuated information on student teachers' stereotypic perceptions of the abilities of Israeli Jewish pupils of different ethnic backgrounds. One group received relevant information, another received irrelevant information, and the third no information. None of the groups based their assessment of…

Investigates undergraduate students' stereotypic expectations about female behavior related to role characteristics. Findings indicate that all females are expected to be maternal and assertive, but other characteristics vary. Results were inconclusive about which aspects of the stereotypes were normative. (FMW)

Attitude change among older and younger participants in intergenerational programs is investigated. While elderly participants in several programs reported positive feelings resulting from their involvement with children, children's attitudes attributed to intergenerational experiences were mixed. Research should consider longitudinal growth and…

Analysis of education-centered television series over 40 years found they portray less diverse settings, activities, and roles than actually exist; dedicated teachers work with interested students in urban settings and often have conflicts with cranky or inept administrators; White males predominate in most occupational roles; and non-traditional…

Many universities promote cultural awareness by directly teaching sensitivity toward cultural diversity. Because students tend to be somewhat ethnocentric, which is not consonant with the display of culturally tolerant attitudes, multicultural education can help them acquire more tolerant attitudes. The paper describes the influence of a course in…