The ecobehavioral approach to assessment of instructional outcomes is based on observational methods and behavioral research design. A practical observational system for use in examining the percentage of time in which a student uses various tasks and materials during a specific instructional activity is described and illustrated in detail.…

The AIDS epidemic is spurring social scientists to try to understand the social and sexual forces that spread the sexually transmitted disease, to learn how to change the personal behavior that makes up those forces, and to improve and prolong the lives of those who have the disease. (MLW)

Investigated political behaviors in the teacher-principal relationship from the teachers' perspective using unstructured and semistructured interviews. Demonstrated that the political perspective of the teachers was based on sensitivity to the power of principals and the development of strategies to deal with power in protecting themselves from…

Discusses methodology and results of a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts in which bored versus stressed subjects were provided opportunities to watch television. Results indicate bored subjects more frequently selected exciting rather than relaxing programs, while stressed subjects selected similar quantities of each program type.…

Presents a contingency model for decision making with regard to needs analysis methods. Focus is on 12 methods with brief discussion of their defining characteristics and some operational guidelines for their use. (JOW)

Examines the background to behavioral applications to children's learning. Provides a brief description of three approaches: task analysis, direct instruction, and precision teaching. Looks at assumptions of these approaches, their similarities, and their interrelationship during continuous assessment. Discusses the role of a behavioral approach…

Explains 2 decision-making problems presented to 188 undergraduates enrolled in introductory psychology classes to teach the principles governing individual and collective decisions. Shows individual interest outweighed mutual benefit. Promotes active learning about psychology and scientific skills while stimulating personal development (CH)

Examines the impact of Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theories on educators' views of child socialization, which argued that moral development occurred late in childhood. Notes that recent research indicates that moral and emotional development occur much earlier and that teachers and parents can have a significant influence on young…

This study followed up on 19 children (ages 9-19) with autism who had received a very intensive behavioral preschool intervention. Results showed that the experimental group preserved their gains in regular class placement, in intelligence quotient, and in adaptive behavior. (JDD)

Both the demand for, and supply of, mental health information has increased across all sectors. Academic, public and special libraries must locate, evaluate and select materials that support consumer education, academic teaching, interdisciplinary research, and professional credentialing. Selectors must navigate disciplinary barriers to develop…

Behavior analyst teaching child development courses would do well to look into this book as the main text for the course. It represents the most comprehensive attempt to date to try and integrate the developmental literature with the study of basic mechanisms of learning. The book is written in a clear and concise manner that can be understood by…

Five educational experts in educational change and diffusion research presented papers at the annual summer Research Conference in Instructional Systems Technology. The papers included a review of the general status of the field, a discussion of the need for further developing applied behavioral science and applying it to the problems of education…

Assessment of social skills is not viewed as an encapsulated diagnostic process but as one with ongoing impact on intervention programs. Assessment procedures which have developed from behavioral and social learning approaches to treatment appear to be reliable and useful. (Author/CP)

Assesses students' concepts of aging at the beginning, middle, and end of a psychology of aging course. Results show students' knowledge reflected stereotypes in the beginning, but during the course, new concepts appeared. Claims instructors can benefit from using this technique to plan and assess success of course goals. (Author/NL)

An important part of reference services is the quality of print and electronic resources; information needs and behaviors of humanists must be considered as tools are designed for the humanities. Reviews studies of the research habits of humanists; discusses work habits, library use, design of access and indexing systems, and electronic resources.…