This study compared achievement discrepancies for two groups of college students--a randomly selected group of freshmen and a sample of students identified as learning disabled. It found such a considerable overlap in achievement/ability discrepancies between the two groups that such discrepancies could not be considered diagnostic. (Author/DB)

Describes SCISOR (System for Conceptual Information Summarization, Organization and Retrieval), a prototype intelligent information retrieval system that extracts useful information from large bodies of text. It overcomes limitations of linguistic coverage by applying a text processing strategy that is tolerant of unknown words and gaps in…

Using 17 female and 33 male Yale undergraduates, the relationship between the ability to cope with relative novelty and intelligence was assessed. Results of subjects' performance of novel and non-novel versions of a sentence-verification task indicated that the relationship was positive. (TJH)

Describes the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Gateway Information System, which provides communications capabilities and access to online databases for DoD microcomputer end-users. Functions, structure, development, and artificial intelligence applications of the system are discussed. (11 references) (MES)

The study investigated the concurrent validity of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised and Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence for 15 language delayed and 36 non-language delayed children (ages 45 to 76 months). (DB)

Summarizes recent advances in computer simulation and "reverse engineering" technologies, highlighting the Human Genome Project to scan the human genetic code; artificial retina chips to copy the human retina's neural organization; high-speed, high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanners; and the virtual book. Discusses…

Research conducted by the Center for Arts in the Basic Curriculum shows arts-integrated schools are the most promising way to improve American education. CABC's work is based on three principles: arts are cognitive domains triggering multiple forms of learning; effective arts education is an important educator model; and arts education will…

This study comparing 413 adults who had been abused and/or neglected as children with a control group (n=286) found significant differences between groups in IQ and reading ability, even when controlling for age, sex, race, and social class. Types of maltreatment were associated with differences in IQ and reading ability. (Author/DB)

A chemistry professor emeritus explains the misguided association between gout and genius. Gout, a genetic disease arising from overproduction of uric acid, was prevalent in many historical, upper-class male figures. Gout is equally prevalent in poor rural blacks. Since both populations probably suffered from ingesting lead-poisoned alcoholic…

Social science today condones and perpetuates the egalitarian fiction that racial and ethnic groups never differ in average developed intelligence (general mental ability). Enforcement of this lie and avoidance of real research into these issues is aiding bigots more than the truth would and is degrading intellectual integrity. (SLD)

Describes the "Knowledge Board," a comprehensive integrated writing environment for professionals who write complex documents. Program functions, including navigational capabilities, an automated note card file, information sorting, information weaving, a function to organize information logically, and a revision function are examined.…

Presents background information that describes the major components of an embedded performance support system, compares levels of functionality, and discusses some of the required technologies. Highlights include the human-computer interface; online help; advisors; training and tutoring; hypermedia; and artificial intelligence techniques. (LRW)

Considers empirical evidence and theoretical issues that point out the need to reconceptualize individual differences in psychology. Studies use of arithmetic in everyday life and in the classrooms to explore consequences of cultural practices, the nature of individual differences in "ability," and links between practices and identity.…

Cranial capacities are calculated from external head measurements reported for 40 samples (tens of thousands of subjects) from a 1990 review of ergonomically important body measurements compiled by the International Labour Office. The correlation between brain size and intelligence for groups and individuals is discussed. (SLD)

Protocols (n=149) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised that were completed by 22 graduate students were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of practice administrations in developing examiner competence. Even completing 10 administrations did not reduce errors students made, suggesting that careful training is required. (SLD)