The Bransford and Franks paradigm for the study of semantic integration is called into question. Three experiments are described that test the hypothesis that this paradigm produces its results by creating confusion and interference. The results call for continued search for a paradigm relative to the study of integration. (AMH)

A description of four experiments confirming the theory that recall of a given item from a semantically categorized list is impaired by the presence of other items from this same category. This inhibitory effect of part-set "cuing" is interpreted here as a cue-overload effect. Selected references are included. (AMH)

The introduction of laboratory computers has facilitated investigation of quantitative theories in the investigation of memory. Data from a recent qualitative study was used to test two quantitative theories. The strength-resistance theory fitted the data quantitatively without significant deviations. Statistical tables and references are…

An educational psychologist discusses the problems children encounter in comprehending the written word. (JD)

Advances the thesis that philosophical questioning should precede or accompany children's participation in science activities in the elementary grades. (CP)

The arts are among the first victims of back-to-basics zealots but now a countermovement is under way. Connecticut's Mead School offers a striking example that students in arts-centered schools can be highly motivated to learn. (Author/RK)

Analyzes the temporal features of the transient unconditioned stimulus preexposure effect observed by Cannon (EJ 123 672) and attempts to determine whether a preconditioned stimulus toxin presentation can both condition a backward taste aversion and interfere with the development of a forward aversion. (Author/RK)

Examines strategies used by first grade children in performing a seriation task, using materials varying in length or weight. Most first-grade children employed a concept-task-strategy in serially ordering objects by length and weight. In addition Piaget's observation that length can be serially ordered before weight was upheld. (CP)

Describes the results of comparative study of Russian elementary students' learning of spelling under an experimental didactic system and under traditional methods. Findings confirmed the hypothesis that sophistication in spelling depends on the overall development of pupils. (Author/RM)

Teacher educators should not limit their attention to a single variety of teaching but should devote some time to the study of extra-school teaching in order to gain perspective on their major area of interest. (JD)

An age-related decline in performance is typically observed in research on tasks that rely on cognitive processing. However, such declines must not be accepted as indisputable evidence that the learning efficiency of older adults is necessarily impared. A number of noncognitive factors also mitigate against optimal performance in the aged. (Author)

Gestalt therapy is an existential helping approach that assumes human beings have the potential to choose their behavior and thus define their own meaning in life. Applying Gestalt theory, disabled persons can define the meaning of the disability to their total person. (Author)

Discusses the superiority of information processing (IP) theory to stimulus-response theory, specifically in terms of language comprehension, language production, and the role of memory. (KM)

Experiment I studied type of processing (semantic or nonsemantic) and dimension of rating (pleasantness or frequency of occurrence). Recall was higher under semantic conditions and after ratings of pleasantness. Experiment 2 showed that the difference between incidental and intentional learners increases as more stress is placed on the learning…

An equation is derived which predicts the relationship between the subjective information content of written textual material and the relative number of errors committed by a learner when asked to predict, letter by letter, the content of given textual material. (Author)