When the descriptive interpretations that sixth and eighth graders provided for metaphors selected from fifth-grade readers were examined in a Piagetian framework, the poorest interpretations showed characteristics of concrete and pre-operational thought, while the best interpretations showed characteristics of formal operational thought. (RL)

Evidence is provided for gradual age (and, seemingly, cognitive developmental) changes in the acquisition of complex problem solving strategies. Differential performance as a function of exposure to a child-model exhibiting the best strategy also suggests the role of learning in strategy acquisition. (Author/MV)

As an example, two aspects of children's conservation are explained: decalages and the shift from perceptual to quantitative cues. This approach, relative to structuralist formulation, involves cognitive factors such as prior learning, as well as impinging social experience. It is compatible with Piaget's theory, yet simpler and more flexible. (CP)

The author clarifies common misunderstanding about the theory that social learning is concerned with shaping of children's moral behavior through differential reinforcement, which portrays children as mere mimics of socialization agents. Social learning is defined in relation to the cognitive developmental approach to moral development and its…

After a review of the book "Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life," by Gail Sheehy, the author presents a lesson plan designed to help students become aware of adult developmental tasks and stresses. (MF)

Shows that shifts in children's organizing behaviors occur relatively independently of changes in ability. (RL)

Development of the competent self, the interrelationship of psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational change, and the role of the high school counselor were explored with 147 exemplary and marginal students. The impact of counseling was significantly different for exemplary than for marginal students and for students from different race and sex…

Delay of gratification and temporal span were investigated in 58 girls, ages 4 to 9 years, by estimated story durations, delay of gratification in a direct choice money test, and reproduction of a 60-second interval. (BD)

Examined the topic initiation/topic following sequence data from the beginning, middle, and late stages of 16 counseling dyads from eight counselors. Used loglinear analysis to examine variation because of the previous behavior of the other participant (interchain dependency), their own previous behavior (interchain dependency), outcome…

Describes a study of oral reading errors by six-year-olds indicating that previously read words are frequently substituted at points of miscue, but that reliance on this source decreased over the year, casting doubt on previously postulated developmental phases of reading. (HTH)

Recommends that standardized achievement tests for first to ninth graders be limited to three uses: home reports, monitoring of longitudinal performance trends in the basic skill areas, and annual monitoring for unusually low score comparisons. Recommendations deliberately exclude early childhood and high school testing and testing for individual…

Examined psychological differences between 25 pre- and 25 post-empty nest women on gender identity and ego mastery style. Indicated that post-empty nest women engaged in a more active ego mastery style than pre-empty nest women and also claimed more masculine traits. (Author/ABB)

Discusses the role played by senior adults in an undergraduate class, "Social Work Practice with the Aging," transactions occurring between senior adults and students, and how the class evolved to its present format. Reviews the literature regarding senior adults in higher education and the intergenerational classroom. Includes an evaluation of…

Compared ego identity in adolescents identified as having behavioral problems with those reported not to have behavior problems. Found ego identity achievement, including trust, initiative, and identity, but not autonomy and industry, significantly greater in those without behavior problems. Adolescents who had achieved a higher degree of identity…