This column examines the term "variable rules," which accounts for patterning in language. Variable rules can show variation in the structural description and/or in the process involved in the rule. (SW)

The paper reviews the literature of the last 25 years to determine the accepted definitions of giftedness, underachievement, and gifted underachiever. The evolution of the concepts of giftedness and underachievement is recounted and various definitions are compared. The paper describes an attempt made to locate, by further review, useful…

This ERIC Digest explores factors that affect creativity in children and techniques for fostering this quality. The need to study creativity and the definition of creativity within a developmental framework are also discussed. Six ways adults can encourage children's creativity are listed. It is pointed out that adults can encourage creativity by…

An analysis of four foundational issues in the study of moral development is provided. The four issues involve: (1) the definition of morality; (2) individual or cultural moral variation; (3) moral ontogeny; and (4) moral epistemology. The first section of the paper describes each issue. The second section is based on the argument that the four…

The paper addresses the implications for mentally retarded children of three trends: (1) prevention, research, and curative approaches; (2) normalization; and (3) the reduction of the mentally retarded population by definition. Future preventive measures which will reduce moderate and severe retardation in the U.S. population are envisioned to…

The paper examines theoretical issues regarding the symptomatology of echolalia in the language of visually impaired children. Literature on echolalia is reviewed from a variety of perspectives and clinical work and research with visual impairment and with autism is discussed. Problems of definition are cited, and explanations for occurrence of…

Confusion, misinterpretations, and conflicting theoretical beliefs seem to be characteristic of language assessment practices. Much of the confusion and misrepresentation are due to the great variety of terms used in the language assessment process and to incomplete definitions of these terms and their operations. In an attempt to clarify the…

Based upon selected aspects of the theory of definition as proposed by Leonard (1967), results of the different conceptions of language proficiency are discussed. Properties of definitions, such as ambiguity and vagueness, and basic rules for defining terms are applied to current definitions of language proficiency in order to evaluate their…

Interviews were conducted with 45 members of the Arizona Indian community and 34 non-Indian teachers employed at schools where the majority of students are American Indians to examine variables involved in identifying and providing programs for gifted Indian children. Ss were asked a series of questions regarding definitions and characteristics of…

A discussion of the importance of remaining flexible when establishing delineations. (HB)

The present paper presents systematically the theories and practices which belong to the scope of humanistic psychology. (Editor/RK)

The purpose of this article is not to teach anyone how to use a certain word; rather it is to examine the presuppositions, uses, and implications of the concept 'appreciation' in order to make it a more serviceable instrument in educational discussions. (Author/RK)

Briefly traces the history of linguistics and attempts to arrive at a definition useful to classroom teachers. (RB)

Discusses attempts by educators in reading to define reading and provides insight into the difficulty of such a venture. (RB)