This paper describes how one college professor explains the concepts of schemes, assimilation, accommodation, and equilibrium to college undergraduates enrolled in educational or development psychology courses. The professor uses classroom demonstration to show how the concepts interact in an applied setting. The demonstration uses 30 children's…

The story of Father Christmas is widespread across Europe and beyond, and for almost six weeks each year dominates children's and adults' lives. This longitudinal study examined parental practices and attitudes towards the Father Christmas story. Participating during the first phase of the study, conducted during November and December 1998, were…

This book represents the proceedings of the Conference on Advancing Research on Developmental Plasticity: Integrating Behavioral Science and the Neuroscience of Mental Health. The conference featured scientific presentations from many leading scientists in behavioral sciences, neuroscience and psychiatry, as well as a poster session for newer…

As policymakers have sought to balance the goal of fostering poor children's well-being with that of encouraging adult's self-sufficiency, public assistance has become more predicated on custodial parents' involvement in work or mandatory welfare-to-work programs activities. This report examines the effects of welfare-to-work programs on the…

This comparative case study investigated instructional methods that effectively enhance the development of students' critical thinking. Four institutions were selected for study; two at which students reported experiencing high degrees of growth in the ability to think critically, and two at which students reported experiencing low degrees of…

This collection of learning units introduces parents to the role of nutrition in their young child's cognitive development. Designed to be easy to read and useful for families with limited resources, the materials help parents teach their young children good eating habits by offering information, feeding tips, creative activities for parents and…

Prepared by the Reading Research Foundation, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. (RJ)

Research was undertaken to determine whether a profile using logical reasoning ability, attitude toward mathematics, and grade point average would distinguish between concrete and formal operational thinking in preservice teachers. Study results provided evidence that preservice elementary and secondary teachers were functioning at different…

Brain research indicates that sensory-motor experiences during childrens' preschool and early school years may be the foundation for later language development. (MLF)

Fifty low vision children, aged 7 to 18, assessed with the case-study method on 143 variables using the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Stephens Piagetian Battery of Reasoning Assessments, and Standardized achievement test were found to have significant delays in cognitive and psychomotor development and academic achievement. (Author)

The validity of Lawrence Kohlberg's empirical findings and of his cognitive developmental approach to understanding moral development is questioned. An alternative theory of moral development which emphasizes moral sensibility as well as reasoned moral judgment is proposed. (PP)

This research study is designed to determine (1) to what extent educationally low achieving inmates differ in their cognitive performance from high achieving inmates, and (2) if such differences exist, to what extent can the level of cognitive performance in the former group be modified in a positive direction by a specific learning experience.…