The Middle East is an area which cannot be defined in purely geographical terms. There is no universal agreement among social scientists over the exact boundaries for this region. (AM)

It is suggested that four developmental terms (period, phase, stage, level) can be distinguished as different combinations of four criterial elements, and they should be differentiated according to whether or not they refer to (1) a part of a progression, (2) a recurrent state or event, (3) quantitative change, and (4) qualitative change.…

The author presents a definition of art therapy as a profession and traces its development in therapeutic theory and practice from the nineteenth century. An appended commentary by Georgiana Jungels cites areas of art therapy history needing further research. This article is part of a theme issue on art therapy. (SJL)

Suggests the definition of task analysis as "the breakdown of performance into detailed levels of specificity," and recommends describing performance in increasing levels of detail throughout the analytical process. (WBC)

The author reviews issues in the search for a definition of learning disabilities, suggesting that the effort is within an unidimensional framework without recognition of the lack of unidimensional characteristics in children. (Author)

It is argued that skills displayed by savants are not intelligent and that H. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences fails by overstating the relevance of savant skills and because it disregards research evidence for a general factor. Intelligence theory must compile a structure that accounts for savant skills and intelligence. (SLD)

Discusses the question of whether deafness is a disability and explores the concepts of deafness and disability to examine what is buried in both the question and an answer. (Author/VWL)

Maintains that certain kinds of structured background information should be treated as essential components or accompaniments of word definitions. Discusses frame semantics, and presents a vision of the ideal dictionary, which is now becoming possible because of advances in computerized access to complex sources of information. (VWL)

Responds to a critique of an article by the authors appearing in a previous issue of this journal (v38 n3). Argues against communication as symbolic representation. Emphasizes their original intent to redefine communication as the production of culture, in the form of a historico-critical inquiry into the institutionalization of communication…

Presents ideas which reflect author's search for the meaning of professionalism. Provides working definition of professionalism, examines significant progress counselors have made in attaining professional status, and proposes challenges for counselors to consider in examining their own professionalism. (NB)

Reflects on the recommendation of the National Committee for Economic Development to redefine vocational education. Questions whether vocational education really needs to be redefined or just explained to its user groups. (Author)

Despite growth in gerontological research field over the past 50 years, no consensus has emerged on definition of gerontology or on its scope and boundaries. This confusion is rooted historically in developments involving the origins and adoption of the term. Offers speculation on the potential and costs of developing consensus in future.…

Discusses political, theoretical, and methodological issues in defining and measuring paid and unpaid work disability. Presents results of study analyzing disability in paid work and unpaid family work among 206 women with rheumatoid arthritis, demonstrating feasibility of measuring disability in family work and showing that women experience…

Discusses how working definitions of wetlands vary in different statutes and the controversy this has created. Focuses on these definition differences in relationship to federal, state and local government control of environmental protection and development decisions. (MCO)

Notes that consulting process seems to work similarly regardless of whether consultant is internal or external or is doing individual or group consultation. Contends that some differences may occur depending on whether consultant is process helper or content helper. Reviews several consultation processes, and, from this, presents six-step approach…