This study explored the structure of verbal and visuospatial short-term and working memory in children between ages 4 and 11 years. Multiple tasks measuring 4 different memory components were used to capture the cognitive processes underlying working memory. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the processing component of working memory…

Background: The internal/external frame of reference (I/E) model by Marsh (1986) assumes intra-individual dimensional comparisons in which students compare their own achievements in one subject with their achievements in other subjects. These comparison processes should lead to negative paths from achievement in one subject (e.g. maths) on…

An attempt to secure further evidence for, or against, the intellectual explanation of Maori superiority in word fluency. (WY)

Reviews the effects of aging on language usage focusing on three areas of exploration: (1) changes in language in relation to changes in other cognitive abilities, (2) the linguistic consequences of normal aging versus those of dementia and aphasia, and (3) age-group differences in patterns of conversational interaction. (67 references) (GLR)

Pooled data from previous studies in which autistic, mentally handicapped, and normal young children had been tested on theory of mind tasks. Found that normal children at a verbal mental age of four years, but autistic children at a verbal mental age of more than nine years, had a 50% chance of passing the theory of mind tests. (BC)

We compared the incidence of imaginary companions and impersonated characters in 152 three and four year old children (75 males and 77 females). Children and their parents were interviewed about role play in two sessions. Although there were no sex differences in verbal ability or fantasy predisposition, there was a significant difference in the…

Purpose: Investigations of the cognitive processes underlying specific language impairment (SLI) have implicated deficits in verbal short-term and working memory and in particular the storage and processing of phonological information. This study investigated short-term and working memory for visuospatial material for a group of children with SLI,…

This study examined the creative thinking of 32 delinquents on parole and 32 nondelinquent male high school students. Results indicated that although there were no consistent differences between the two groups with respect to figural creativity, there were consistent and significant differences when examining verbal creativity. (Author/SJL)

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder of early childhood characterized by autistic social deficits, subtle communication impairment, and excessive isolated interests. There is no history of language delay or of mental retardation. Despite its increasing popularity as a distinct condition, its diagnostic validity remains uncertain. It is still…

I study the relationships of resources and personality characteristics to charitable giving, postmortem organ donation, and blood donation in a nationwide sample of persons in households in the Netherlands. I find that specific personality characteristics are related to specific types of giving: agreeableness to blood donation, empathic concern to…

The development of scripts and their use for guiding memory was examined in children ages 3 to 5 and 7 to 9. In the first phase of the study, 10 preschool children and 10 elementary school students were asked to describe three scripts related to everyday life. Scripts were analyzed to determine whether any differences existed between those of…

Two samples of undergraduates were selected to represent four types with respect to discrepancy between verbal and quantitative aptitude as measured by the New York Regents Scholarship Examination or, in some cases, the CEEB SAT examination. A group designated as V had extremely high verbal scores and very low quantitative scores; a Q group was at…

Examines two sets of variables that influence age-related patterns of text recall--the effects of verbal ability level and text structure variables on text recall of younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Results indicate that age differences in the discovery and utilization of the organizational structure of texts were found to be mediated by…