A study of twins was conducted to determine the presence of an hereditary component in short term memory and in three aspects of verbal divergent thinking--flexibility, fluency, and originality. Results showed the existence of a significant genetic component in the trait of short term memory, while none was found in verbal divergent thinking. (AG)

Three language models (Staats, Lenneberg, and Piaget) are reviewed, and implications for reading are suggested. Staats' behaviorist stance maintains that imitation, mediation, generalization, and discrimination are key concepts in language learning behavior. Critics contest the importance of these concepts and claim that behaviorists cannot fully…

Current hypotheses about language and language development have certain important implications for the study of language acquisition and function, especially in disadvantaged or minority children. According to these hypotheses, traditional theories concerning linguistic deprivation and related factors are no longer valid. (Author/EB)

Discussed is literature related to sex differences in mathematical ability. Three causes for such differences are explored: biological, cultural pressures, and the process of sex-role identification. (MP)

The language development of monozygotic twins, same-sex dizygotic twins, siblings of monozygotic twins, and siblings of dizygotic twins, ages 3-17, was studied to estimate how much of the individual variation in children's language skills results from genetic factors and how much from environmental experience. (BRT)

Provides an overview of research on the biobehavioral antecedents of coronary heart disease, including stressful occupational settings characterized by high demands and little control over the job, and the Type A pattern, particularly hostility and mode of anger expression (anger-in). Discusses research on physiologic responsiveness (reactivity)…

Focuses on psychological sex differences--questions about variations in ability, emotions, drives, and personal traits. Discusses research into sex differences in mathematical ability, revealing the difficulties of acquiring findings which are both impartial and stable between studies. Argues that the literature on other aspects of sex difference…

Examines biological and environmental determinants of creative/divergent thinking in light of two studies--one showing an inverse relationship between serum uric acid and divergent thinking and one showing a positive correlation between family size and creativity in upper socioeconomic status groups. Outlines classroom practices that promote…

Presents a brief, quick-reference check list of methodological errors, fallacies, mistakes, and instances of out-and-out trickery that are found in recent well-known studies of IQ, IQ heritability, and race differences, focusing primarily upon the works of psychologist Jensen, Herrnstein, Eysenck, including selected works of William Shockley and…

This booklet identifies factors that may interfere with literacy development in young children and discusses the early intervention services that may prevent reading difficulties. It begins by emphasizing the importance of early identification of children with literacy needs. Child-, family-, and school-based factors that may indicate a child is…

Violence in America is a public health problem of the highest magnitude. In order to address this problem, the causes of violence and an overview of some effective treatment and prevention programs are presented in this booklet. It focuses on biobehavioral factors (ways in which physiological characteristics influence behavior) and centers on such…

Reviews research on various physical factors related to learning and reading disabilities, also providing a 58-item bibliography. (VJ)

Criticizes the use of new biological theories of human behavior to inform educational policy. Discusses a study by Benbow and Stanley on differential math performance by boys and girls, to illustrate problems inherent in attempts to link a biological substrate with human achievement. (Author/GC)

Reviews evolutionary, psychoanalytic, social learning, and cognitive developmental approaches to the development of altruism and proposes a framework that integrates the approaches. The four approaches are compared in terms of three general issues: the origin of altruism, the conception of altruism as a state or a trait, and individual differences…

Health educators may be expecting the public to accept too much personal responsibility for disease. Genetic, environmental, and other factors may be as important as health-promoting behavior in avoiding disease. If health educators overstate the role of personal responsibility for health, they may lose credibility with the public. (PP)