Presents an early childhood program evaluation procedure based on principles of ecological psychology in which the natural behavior of children in the program setting constitutes the criteria for determining program quality. (CM)

Describes a series of interaction experiences directed toward improving psychological education in the classroom and evaluates the effectiveness of those experiences. (Author)

Caregiver-infant transactions with 51 premature infants were studied in naturalistic observations in the home when the infants were aged 1, 3, and 8 months. Gesell developmental schedules and a sensorimotor scale were administered at 9 months. (Author/JH)

Twelve full-time production specialists employed at universities were studied to determine the role they play in the development of live, interactive, video-based distance education programs. Data collection consisted of qualitative methods: interviews, observation, and concept maps. Findings show that television production specialists fill…

Examined influence of gender, behavioral style, social competence, reciprocal friendships, and social clique membership on naturally occurring aggression in preschoolers. Found that variations in aggression were associated with behavioral style and social competence and that children within cliques were similar in frequency of observed aggression.…

An ethnically diverse sample of high and low hypnotizable children (N=27) suffering from cancer or blood disorders were trained along with their parents to use both distraction and hypnosis to reduce pain and anxiety. Distraction produced significant positive effects for observer-rated distress scores for the low hypnotizable children. Discusses…

Examines the relationship between the quality of marital interaction, both as perceived by spouses and as reported by outside observers, and marital instability and divorce in long-time married couples (n=436). Finds that hostility and marital warmth were fairly accurate predictors of which couples would divorce or be extremely stable or unstable.…

Examines the nature of observational science and cites its role as a foundation for subsequent scientific research. Uses a case history to illustrate the interplay of observation, problem recognition, and hypothesis testing. (DDR)

Examined longitudinally the relationship between mother-child spontaneous joint play and development of conduct problems in 60 preschoolers. Found that amount of joint play at age 3 predicted individual improvement in conduct problems at age 4, and this association was independent of initial level of conduct problems and hyperactivity, social…

Describes "diverse" as a socially acceptable term for both gifted children and at-risk children. Recommends describing children's specific behavior to create a more definitive picture. Includes example of observation of a "dysgraphic" child and the specific behaviors expressed, suggesting that results of observation can yield ideas about…

Describes chemical education research conducted in classrooms using a qualitative methodology. The researcher studies interactions between learners, the teacher leading the instruction, and the material being studied in hopes of better understanding where learning occurs. This is diametrically opposed to standard experimental research, being…

Presents an activity involving the observation of moon phases that can provide a one-on-one learning experience and stimulate interaction between a child and an adult family member. This activity can also be initiated by teachers and outcomes can be integrated into the classroom science curriculum. (JRH)

Advocate the use of repeated applications of inventories of approaches to learning as an appropriate technique for the evaluation of educational innovations. Presents three case studies that use the Study Process Questionnaire (J. Biggs, 1987) to show how the measure can be used for innovations in naturalistic settings. (SLD)

Presents a study in which children, ages 18-47 months (n=30), were observed for 30 minutes in a playroom to determine if: (1) stereotyped toys impact children's play; (2) their behavior influences cognitive development; and (3) which toys are appropriate for the assessment sessions. Includes references. (CMK)

Responds to an earlier article that illustrated how metaphorically applying chaos and complexity theory to language teaching, second language acquisition, and the observed lesson can alter perspectives about how these things are viewed. Suggests that chaos and complexity theory could also help see the following areas in a new light: syllabus…