A dynamic model of how animals learn to regulate their behavior under time-based reinforcement schedules is presented. It assumes serial activation of behavioral states during the inter-reinforcement interval, an associative process linking the states and operant response, and a rule mapping the states onto response rate. (SLD)

The usefulness of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) was examined for 162 delinquent boys in a state training school who were compared with 805 nondelinquent male adolescents and the original MMPI sample of 7,783 male adolescents. The most useful scales are discussed. (SLD)

Examines the incidence of driving under the influence (DUI) one year prior to, and one year following the partial lifting of a complete Sunday sales ban on alcohol. Data did not reveal a statistically significant increase in DUIs. Results suggest that limited alcohol consumption does not increase alcohol-impaired driving. (RJM)

Explores the relationship between alcohol-induced blackouts and alcohol expectancies in 123 college students. Found significant correlations between students' alcohol expectancies, level of alcohol abuse, and blackout history. Students who experienced blackouts had higher positive alcohol expectancies than those without blackouts. Other findings…

Analyzed effects of modeling and contingent praise on infant imitation of three responses: motor-with-toy, motor-without-toy, or vocal. Found a systematic increase in the percentages of training and probe models matched by the three 12- to 14-month-olds following introduction of model-and-praise treatment conditions. Nonmatching responses did not…

Developed a Bayesian approach for structural equation models with ignorable missing continuous and polytomous data that obtains joint Bayesian estimates of thresholds, structural parameters, and latent factor scores simultaneously. Illustrated the approach through analysis of a real data set of 20 patterns of condom use in the Philippines. (SLD)

An ecological method was used to assess the patterns of goal-directed behaviors of eight children with autism and eight chronological and mental age comparable children with Down syndrome. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative behavior coding indicated that children with autism exhibited shorter and less overlapping goal-directed behaviors,…

Among 258 Midwestern male farmers and ranchers (average age 49), 87 percent coped with problems and difficulties by having faith in God. Respondents generally were reluctant to accept help from professionals, neighbors, or relatives, and were confident in their own abilities to solve their difficulties independently. Contains 22 references.…

Two studies with children (n=123) with mild mental retardation were designed to test whether specific clusters of beliefs would predict imitation and persistence behaviors in this population. The studies found that belief scores were significantly related to such behaviors. Implications concerning motivation, the developmental-difference…

Investigates concerns among both disabled and able-bodied individuals concerning helping behavior in three settings: a sheltered workshop, a social activity group, and a university. Finds that helping did not appear to be a serious problem, and proposes 17 tentative "rules" for helping the handicapped. (KEH)

Entrepreneurial business owners were surveyed concerning their attitudes toward factors related to entrepreneurial success. Various myths about entrepreneurship are presented, such as the perception that entrepreneurs are "wild and crazy," are ego-driven, rely on "gut feelings," and derive their successes from "gimmicks." These myths are then…

Analyzed 299 incidents involving 182 psychiatric patients over a 2-year period. Compared data with control group data from 100 nonincident patients. Findings demonstrated significant relationships between incidents and patient age, gender, diagnostic status, and number of previous incidents. (Author/NB)

Examines whether trained observers detect deception more accurately than untrained observers. Finds that trained observers judge veracity of low self-monitors and unrehearsed liars with higher deception detection accuracy. Reports that discrepancy between observers' actual ability to detect deception and certainty in their judgment accuracy is…

Although listening is the most widely used communication skill, it is rarely taught. This study of California and Arkansas principals explored how principals and their staffs perceived the principals' listening behaviors. Results suggest that principals and their staffs perceived the principals to be moderately good listeners. Includes 11…

Comparison of 31 elementary grade boys with learning disabilities and 52 boys with behavior disorders who either did or did not also display hyperactive behavior found significant differences between groups on the Classroom Behavior Inventory in three areas: Hostility versus Consideration, Extroversion versus Introversion, and Independence versus…