Describes experiments and studies which investigated perception and image interpretation on different cognitive levels. Subjects were asked to name, describe, index, and assess image contents; write legends; create images; complete stories; illustrate stories; and produce informative materials. Results confirmed the theory of a dual stage…

Examines published content analyses of college reading texts with regard to the following: (1) methodology employed; (2) specific information presented; and (3) trends in content since the mid-1920s. (MS)

Notes that current American basal series have integrated Hispanics into their materials, with eight of nine important aspects of Hispanic ethnicity represented. Concludes that these series offer teachers fine opportunities for enrichment activities. (FL)

Free speech of subjects with somatization and paranoia was analyzed to identify and compare self-concept dimensions reflected in their lexical choices. The somatization disorder group conveyed a sense of negativism, distress, and preoccupation with an uncertain self-identity. The paranoid patients portrayed an artificially positive, grandiose…

Describes five online databases that focus on computer products, primarily software and microcomputing hardware, and compares the databases in terms of record content, product coverage, vertical market coverage, currency, availability, and price. Sample records and searches are provided, as well as a directory of product databases. (CLB)

This analysis of the impact of the Reagan moratorium on government publishing focused on the format and content of printed publications issued by the Department of Health and Human Services during the freeze. The changes observed were not those expected given the presidential guidelines. (CLB)

Contends that American journalists operate by behaviorist standards of "objectivity." Compares the transcript of a murder trial with newspaper coverage of that trial and finds that the latter reveals a prosecution bias in focus, choice of ideographs, journalistic qualifiers, and audience participation. (PD)

Describes criteria used for selecting learning/study skills textbooks for college freshmen in a required developmental reading course. Contains a checklist used to analyze 47 major textbooks. (FL)

Analyzed 3,056 articles in four magazines ("Audubon,""Environment,""Time," and "Saturday Review" from 1959 to 1979) to determine their role in the diffusion of an ideology of social change (environmentalism) and its translation over time into substantive concerns. (PD)

Results do not support the contention of textbook publishers, presidential commissions, and some educators that the reading difficulty level of English, science, or social studies textbooks has eased considerably in recent years. (FL)

Presents a validation procedure for the Computer Literacy Examination: Cognitive Aspect, a test assessing high school students' computer literacy levels. Steps in the test's construction process are explained, data collected during its validation phase are analyzed, and conclusions on its validity and reliability are discussed. The final test…

Examines how much and what kind of reading comprehension instruction is provided in the student textbooks and teachers' editions of five social studies programs at the fourth- and sixth-grade levels. Concludes, among other findings, that direct instruction in skills is rare. (HOD)

Surveyed instructors of public relations courses and found they emphasized a decision-making style for the public relations practitioner, one that combines elements of managerial roles with those of a communication technician. (PD)

Discusses the results of a study in which 130 college composition textbooks were examined in order to determine the role that expressive discourse plays in the teaching of writing at the college level. (DF)

Tests the hypothesis that second language (L2) students' approach to text reflects a top-down processing strategy in contrast to first language (L1) students' approach that is more text-driven. Results confirmed L2 subjects studied the texts less efficiently than L1 subjects. (HOD)