Three interrelated processes; storage, retrieval, and judgment, are distinguished in an attempt to describe stereotype formation. The results of four experiments are described. These experiments were designed to answer some of the questions about what information is learned, how it is stored, how it is retrieved, and, once retrieved, how it is…

As a means of exploring public attitudes toward political institutions, the research analyzes theories explaining public trust and confidence in the president and the congress. Hypotheses examined include that there exists a connection between discontent with authorities and institutions, that certain groups in society (the young and…

This report describes an experiment in which elementary school children with negative self-concepts as measured by the Bolea Pictorial Self-Concept Scale and teacher ratings were exposed to a behavioral procedure designed to raise their self-concepts. Subjects were 30 children, grades K-4, who were randomly divided into experimental and control…

Presents exercises to help change students' negative perceptions of Africa. (MM)

Provides evidence challenging the notions that education produces liberation from intergroup negativism or a superficial democratic commitment. Instead, suggests that the well educated are but one step ahead of their peers in developing a defense of their interests resting on qualification, individualism, obfuscation, and symbolic concessions.…

The review of literature on portrayal of disability in books, television, film, and classroom media emphasizes their reinforcement of stereotypic attitudes long held by the public and concludes that initiation of accurate, nonstereotypic portrayals of the disabled on television is long overdue. (MC)

In a mastery learning course, the low achievement group acquired more negative attitudes toward the teaching strategy, while high achievers gained enthusiasm. It is concluded that mastery learning can demotivate some students and must be introduced carefully. However, the difficulty of constructing the strategies is compensated for by their…

The American College Testing Program sought to determine whether metric education for adult consumers would result in more positive attitudes to metric conversion. Examining preopinion, pretest, posttest, post-opinion, and background data, the researchers found that simply teaching adults how to use the metric system does not significantly affect…

Several steps are presented to help the principal change a school's climate from negative to positive by developing a positive personal attitude. Included are: having a plan of action, managing time effectively, and motivation of one's self and one's staff. (KC)

In this study, children became more negative in their attitudes toward handicapped peers after group discussion but did not change their views on normal-appearing children. (MM)

Asserts that children may absorb negative opinions about the elderly from their culture. Notes research indicating that both young and old benefit from contact with each other. Describes an intergenerational program that provides children with opportunities to form friendships with healthy elders. Explains classroom preparation and children's…

Makes suggestions for persuading publicity-shy faculty that talking to reporters can be useful to their research and the institution. Arguments include that their participation may result in increased funding, new constituents, productive collaboration, impact on public policy/public opinion, benefit to the profession, and more control by the…

College and universities are struggling to address a decline in public trust. College athletics can be used to enhance public perceptions of higher education by having coaches and players promote education; highlighting multicultural athletes' successful teamwork; and encouraging athlete participation in community service projects. (MSE)

In this personal essay, the author describes her development as a teacher over a quarter of a century. Specifically, she discusses how, from her originally negative attitude toward content reading strategies, she grew to embrace the concept in her science classes. Drawing on her experiences, she provides examples of how her teaching has changed…

Discusses the psychological characteristics of the underachiever and aspects of these characteristics that group counseling can focus on and use as indications of individual growth and change. (EJT)