This study examined gender differences in attitudes toward academic subjects in 2,089 gifted students in grades 3 through 6. Observed gender differences were consistent with those found in research with older students. Grade level differences suggest that attitudes toward several academic areas become more negative with age. Attitudes were not…

Students with (n=45) and without (n=60) mild mental retardation were compared on nine measures of syntactic complexity in writing at three grade levels (grades six, seven, and eight). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences for group but not for grade level or group by grade level. (Author/DB)

Studies the reliability of eyewitness testimony for shoplifting in terms of age, prior knowledge/expectations, and type of memory test. Fifth graders, college students, and older adults participated in two studies. All subjects had expectations concerning common and unusual aspects of shoplifting. Age differences were greatest for recall…

This paper provides a detailed empirical account of the performances of 8- to 9-year-olds and 11- to 12-year-olds on a chore-scheduling task developed to assess the dynamics of planning processes. In developing the planning task for revealing different levels of planning proficiency, five critical aspects of planning were taken into account: the…

Third to sixth graders (n=508) completed the Children's Disturbingness Scale. Findings indicated significant multivariate differences for gender and age, with girls and younger students more disturbed by virtually all categories of behaviors. Implications for inclusion are discussed. (Author/DB)

Differences between metaphors and similes have often been overlooked in the experimental literature, and the comparison theory addressing comprehension of simile may be less appropriate to the more transformational properties of metaphor. It is proposed that one of the variables associated with the difference is affective response, leading to the…

The difficulties that younger students experience in understanding concepts related to the use of variables in computer programming are examined through descriptions of two studies: (1) detailed case studies of six highly intelligent children--three fourth graders and three sixth graders--who learned to program in BASIC during 60 hours of…

Gifted, average, and learning-disabled children (total n=660) in grades four and seven were assessed on measures of achievement, ability, perceived competence in cognitive ability, self-concept, and locus of control over a two-year period. In general, perceived competence and self-concept were higher for gifted students and were stable for all…

This study examined the conceptions that 85 gifted elementary and middle school students had of academic fun, using repertory grid techniques. In general, similarities across age and gender were found, though sex differences were found in attitudes toward technology and computer activities and age differences in attitudes toward mathematics.…

This study compared learning style preferences among gifted African-American (n=54), Mexican-American (n=61), and American-born Chinese (n=40) middle grade students attending Chicago, Illinois, public schools. Significant ethnic, gender, and grade differences were found. All three groups preferred studying in the afternoon and bright light and did…

A longitudinal study of early adolescents examined gender differences in attitude and behavior, as well as the effects of pubertal change, parental expectations, and parental support. It was hypothesized that sex differences would emerge during preadolescence and that males' and females' rates of change would be significantly different. Subjects…

This study examined what secondary students had learned from the television film "The Day After"--a dramatization of the possibility of nuclear war and its horrible consequences--and how they responded to it emotionally. A pre-test and two post-tests (one administered the day after students viewed "The Day After" and a second…

The process through which the basic principles and concepts of computer programming language are acquired by children was investigated via the development and testing of a teaching unit for fourth and sixth grade students. This unit had three components: (1) basic programming without variables; (2) basic programming with variables; and (3)…