Reported are some methodological and substantive findings on the Early Developmental Adversity Program, a prospective longitudinal study of the contribution of biological and social factors to later learning problems in elementary school. (KW)

In response to Francis Dunlop's paper, the author rejects a priorist verdict on the nature/culture controversy and argues its importance in prescription, explores the logic of the nature/culture interaction in humans, relates differential biology to differing male and female interests, and explores options for modifying sex-stereotyping through…

A number of interacting factors are discussed which significantly influence the development and expression of adolescent sexuality, including: (1) biological development; (2) societal trends; (3) psychological aspects; (4) familial patterns; and (5) historical and political influences. Adolescent cognitive development and psychoanalytic theories…

Presents the complex factors, i.e., social determinants, drug types, personality characteristics, reasons for drug use and misuse, which characterize the drug experience. Defines awareness of these characteristics as a developmental approach to treatment and prevention of addiction. (RC)

Uses a criticism of "objectivistic" approaches to aging and identity as a vehicle for a phenomenological rethinking of those topics. Suggests a theory of identity, properly understood, is already a theory of aging. Concludes that this approach overcomes the parallel problems of objectivism versus subjectivism and biologism versus…

Discusses semantic issues in defining emotions. Describes important constructs derived from major theories of emotionality. Examines social-psychological and biological changes associated with aging in the context of these theories. Reviews available data on emotionality and aging, describing experimental attempts at manipulating the emotional…

To teach critical thinking, introductory psychology students were asked to evaluate two books, "Walden Two" and "The Eden Express," from biological, humanistic, or environmental perspectives. Students wrote individual position papers, group position statements, and group critiques of other positions. Questionnaires revealed that students found…

The authors propose a matrix for a comprehensive approach to cognition and aging. The dimensions of the matrix are (1) biological, psychological, and social factors; and (2) the information processing variables of input, processing, and output. (Journal availability: Department of Adult Education, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.) (SK)

Since the end of the last century there have been studies of reading and learning problems which have concluded that a considerable proportion of these difficulties are inherited. An examination of these studies, however, demonstrates that although they appear to use the "scientific method" and are replete with quantified analysis, in fact they…

The author's response to H. Reed's paper (EC 115 148) on the nature of the relationship between biological defects and educational aptitude and achievement stresses that knowledge of biological causes provides educators with little, if any, practical information to help affected children progress. (For other responses and a rebuttal see EC 115…

The author's response to H. Reed's paper (EC 115 148) on the nature of the relationship between biological defects and educational aptitude and achievement addresses the issues of relevance to educators and Reed's contention that special educators are ignorant of the relationship. (For other responses and a rebuttal see EC 115 149-154.) (PHR)

Presents a play for students in grades four to nine that incorporates the scientific names, physical characteristics, feeding habits, interactions, and interdependence of the plants and animals that make up the Great Lakes food web to facilitate the learning of this complex system. Includes a Great Lakes food web chart. (AIM)

This study examined the effects of methylphenidate drug therapy and differential reinforcement on the disruptive behavior and task engagement of 3 children (ages 6 through 11) with mental retardation. Results indicated that both interventions were effective for two of the children. No evidence of an additive or synergistic effects of the two…

Examines and analyzes factors responsible for the increasing prevalence and incidence of preschool children with behavior disorders. The research indicates the use of drug therapy, time out, extinction and positive reinforcement, overcorrection procedures, and modeling can be effective reduction strategies for behavior problems. Early intervention…