This study evaluated performance of blind (n=17) and sighted adults on a haptic numerosity task of braille symbols in which symbol size was varied. Although blind subjects performed better than seeing subjects, the rate of learning and patterns of errors were similar, except that blind subjects did better with standard than with enlarged symbols.…

Fifty-two subjects competed on a task against themselves, a difficult competitor, and an easy competitor. Certainty, ability attribution, and task satisfaction for those with low self-esteem were affected by perceived goal difficulty but not for those with high self-esteem. Low self-esteem groups had lower goals, certainty, and task performance.…

Two experiments investigating interval-by-interval interjudge and intrajudge agreement for stuttered and nonstuttered speech intervals found that training of judges could improve reliability levels; judges with relatively high intrajudge agreement also showed relatively higher interjudge agreement; and interval-by-interval interjudge agreement was…

Discussion of training effectiveness focuses on needs assessment and its link to accurate performance evaluation. The components of needs assessment are described; front end analysis as an outgrowth of needs assessment is discussed; and the relationship between training and performance improvement is examined. (four references) (LRW)

This seventh in a series on performance technology discusses the means an organization uses to support human performance. Five basic elements are described: (1) the opportunity an individual has to perform as the organization desires; (2) technology, including human-machine roles; (3) materials and supplies; (4) the flow of useful information; and…

Discusses the need to reengineer performance development in light of new technologies, concepts, and tools. Topics addressed include current performance development strategies; new models; learning strategies versus training strategies; electronic performance support and software; and the role of the instructional developer. (LRW)

Examines the relationship between recall and precision in information retrieval performance and explains why a trade-off between them is unavoidable under certain conditions. Topics discussed include the theoretical behavior of precision and recall; mathematics of the recall curve; an example using a test document collection; and two-stage…

An assessment of preferences between task variation and task repetition with four adults with profound developmental disabilities was implemented. After participants were exposed to both conditions, they were allowed to chose between them. Results showed all participants had strong preferences; three preferred task variation and one task…

Examined sex differences in 4- to 6-year olds' spatial skill. Found that performance on spatial transformation task showed a substantial male advantage by age 4 years 6 months, with the advantage no more robust for rotation than for translation items. Comparable vocabulary task performance indicated that male advantage on spatial tasks was not…

Diversity is a multidimensional construct that affects all members of an organization. The relationship between diversity and organizational performance is not automatic. Diversity must be promoted, supported, and managed effectively to reap its benefits. (SK)

Examines teacher factors in determining school-based treatment-outcome research for students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Discusses potential teacher factors that might be important to consider in compatibility equations, along with implications of variables for school-based assessment, intervention processes, and future…

Two experiments involving two sets of actions using two stimuli sets examined deferred imitation to trace changes in memory retrieval by 18- to 30-month-olds. Results indicated that target action recall with different stimuli increased as a function of age, particularly after a delay. A unique verbal label facilitated 24-month-olds' performance…

Investigated children's representational ability as a cognitive factor underlying the suggestibility of their eyewitness memory. Found that the eyewitness memory of children lacking multirepresentational abilities or sufficient general memory abilities (most 3- and 4-year-olds) was less accurate than eyewitness memory of those with…

The Illinois Performance Management Information System is an application of existing data that provides definition of performance measures, a continuous improvement model, and individual measurement. It offers information that can be used for setting standards, targeting resources, looking at performance across time and comparing programs. (JOW)

Uses two classroom examples to develop a conceptualization of ritual as formulated, symbolic performance that may be seen as an aspect of action rather than a type of action. Ritual, found in nearly all classroom activities, helps explain how the most mundane and ordinary activities carry powerful cultural messages. (Author/SLD)