Responds to previous article (Gresham and Gansle, 1992) which argued that Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) was irrelevant for practice of school psychology and that absence of treatment validity was most serious issue among problems with DSM-III-R. Elaborates on several issues surrounding…

An ex post facto longitudinal study of 500 diagnostic protocols supported the often voiced criticism that psychologists diagnosing learning difficulties frequently follow principles that are remote from teaching and learning processes. Analyses of the actual learning process were very few. Learning difficulties were usually conceived in terms of…

Reports research results concerning beliefs about B. F. Skinner's psychological theories. Examines beliefs in the myths that Skinner: (1) discounted physiological and genetic roles in behavior; (2) believed that any behavior could be conditioned; (3) discounted individual uniqueness; (4) viewed punishment as the preferred form of behavior control;…

Analyzed content of research published between 1975 and 1990 in "Journal of School Psychology,""Psychology in the Schools," and "School Psychology Review" in terms of racial/ethnic minority topics. In 225 studies containing minority information, African Americans were sampled most frequently, followed by Mexican Americans. Most samples were from…

In response to miniseries on school violence (this issue), identifies and discusses four questions that resurfaced across miniseries articles. Considers seriousness of problem of school violence, contributing factors to violence, whether there is consensus on how to address violence, and the role of the school psychologist in handling violence.…

Surveyed 636 school psychologists. Found no significant differences between male and female psychologists in time spent in various roles or time desired to be spent in various roles. Males worked longer contract lengths and made more money than females. When monthly salaries were compared, significant salary differences between males and females…

The issue of test user competency arises from the question of restrictions on the use of psychological tests. The only justifiable basis for restricting test use is one that reflects the skills and competencies of the user. Ultimately, only professional judgment determines whether a test is properly used. (SLD)

Examines some of the sources of bias that enter into counselors' formulations of causal hypotheses and client problem representations. Presents a study of the think-aloud protocols of 32 counseling psychologists as they examined the file of a clinically diagnosable individual, and explores the implications of the findings for the training of…

Presents case study exemplifying use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in educational decision making. CBM is portrayed as more than just set of brief fluency tests with strong conceptual ties to three related assessment models (behavioral, ecological, and problem-solving assessment). Delineates key elements of each model. Case study shows how…

On basis of psychological and educational tests, 10 education students, 10 school psychologists, and 10 directors of special schools diagnosed learning problems in 4 children and gave prognoses for students' development over following 6 months in cognitive and social-emotional domain. On average, prognoses appeared very inaccurate when compared to…

This report examines distinctions and interrelationships among attention deficit disorder and learning disability and oppositional/conduct disorder. A study with 98 children (mean age 10 years) referred for learning or behavior problems found a referral bias in that children referred to mental health settings differed from those referred to…

Surveyed school psychologists regarding identification of mentally retarded students. The Wechsler scales were the most frequently used tests for deriving intelligence quotient scores, which together with adaptive behavior scale scores were rated as most influential in identification-placement decisions. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were…

Used classroom management approach, Attention Training System (ATS), to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Used ABA within-subjects design in which number of off-task behaviors were recorded for six ADHD students during baseline and training phases. Data indicated that five subjects demonstrated clear training effects, which…

The disparity between methodology and empirical research literature is examined to suggest a cause for the casual acceptance of null hypotheses simply because obtained differences are not statistically significant. Analysis of training for psychological researchers suggests that programs have not emphasized the comprehensive evaluation of all…

Examined hypothesis that feedback environment of school psychologists would relate to job satisfaction and self-perceptions of competence. School psychologists in New York rated job satisfaction and competence and reported on frequency of feedback from administrators, co-workers, self, and others. Type and amount of job feedback received were…