Two experiments involving 112 college students, half male and half female, examined the spatial nature of mental-image rotation (MIR) tasks and the use of MIR in stereotypically male or female tasks. Results add to the evidence that instructional and stimulus effects may exacerbate or eliminate sex differences in spatial cognition. (SLD)

This review examines recent developments in research on social-cognitive theories of motivation during adolescence and the ways in which such research can be applied to the reform of middle grade schools. Results suggest that effective reform must consider the multiple contexts in which students interact. (SLD)

Reviews school effects literature concerning student dropouts and critically examines urban principals' viewpoints, focusing on definitions, current practices and proposed solutions, and context considerations. Principals blamed either the individual or the community context for student disengagement from school, relying on support services and…

Four experiments with 128 college undergraduates and 82 Air Force recruits examined the coordination of a verbal component task with a visual spatial and an auditory component task. Results show that ability to coordinate perceptual and visual information differs from ability to deal with either type of information alone. (SLD)

Stresses need for model of career decision making that recognizes both normative and chance influences. Discusses role of chance on adult development, ways in which people attempt to understand impact of chance events, and influence of personal characteristics on coping with chance. Summarizes meaning of chance, effects on client decision making,…

The interaction effect between two process skills (application and interpretation) and two task contexts (scientific and everyday) was investigated. Korean students (n=255), ages 13 and 15, were the subjects of this study. Results reveal that there was an apparent interaction between process skills and contexts. Sex-skill interaction and…

Considers how sociohistorical context affects procedures by which sociologists obtain subject permission for interviews and audiotaping interviews. Reviews a 1950s study involving interviews with institutionalized, schizophrenic women contrasting ethical and institutional implications of informed consent in that context to contemporary informed…

Discusses research that examined the effects of melodic content and performance tempo on the ability of university music majors to perform previously learned music passages in new settings. Finds tempo accuracy and pitch accuracy were adversely affected by differences between originally learned tempo and tempi at which works were later performed.…

A trilevel (macro, intermediate, and micro) analytical framework was used to determine problems in the organizational context that reduce or impede the application of training outcomes. A law enforcement job-skill training program was studied via survey responses of 322 course graduates. Factor analyses identified predictors of training use. (SLD)

Two studies evaluating a video-based instructional package for training 12 respite care providers found that performance during simulated situations improved in 5 of 6 skill areas, with no differences whether videotapes were viewed alone, with a partner, or with structured group training. Correct responding was generalized and skills were…

A model of relationships among the cognitive components of working memory, representation, metacognition, and performance implicated in the acquisition and transfer of the LOGO computer language was developed and tested with 48 second graders. The respective contributions of each component vary with the transfer task. (SLD)

Classroom instructional processes are as critical to successful development of a global perspective as mastery of the substantive content. Teacher education programs must focus on the process-content relationship. A clear conceptualization of global education is central to developing comprehensive, effective teacher education programs in the…

Reviews three studies on the effects of elementary school students' collaboration within the educational computer environments of LOGO, computer-assisted instruction, and computer-based instruction. Concludes that cooperative participation within LOGO fosters effectance motivation, information exchange, and conflict resolution that reflects…

Reports on a study of accounting information systems that explored the interactions among influence factors (e.g., user participation in the development process, top management support, capability of information systems personnel, and existence of steering committees), contextual variables (e.g., organizational structure and task characteristics),…

Presents results af an exploratory study of the role of contextual and personal factors in modifying principals' administrative behavior. Of the personal characteristics, principals' goals, particularly those of providing leadership had the most influence on administrative behavior. Of contextual influences, the district's psychological…