Suggestions are given for the development of a college course in consumer health. The goals of such a course are: (1) to present information which will aid students in consumer decision-making skills; and (2) to assist students in developing effective strategies in consumer health education. (JN)

The author explains how consumer research can be incorporated as subject matter in consumer education. A sample research-based class project entails observation and data collection at area salad bars. Unsanitary practices by both restaurant personnel and customers were noted. Data were analyzed and class members wrote short papers summarizing…

New technologies such as audiotex and videotex raise public policy issues related to access, use of a common carrier network, basic versus enhanced services, financing the system, government responsibility, the Bell companies as providers, consumer protection, and privacy. (SK)

General remarks about the field of product evaluation are followed by comments on leading practitioners such as Consumers Union, road testers, and company product evaluators. The overall situation is one of seriously flawed evaluation methodology, although the best are very useful. (SLD)

Danger signals and escape mechanisms used by 304 older adults who successfully avoided consumer scams were compared with public agency informational materials on confidence swindles. This information will help improve the case-study-based materials. (SK)

The purpose of this paper is to propose the construct of "countersociopathy" and specific activities consumers can undertake in a variety of sales conditions and situations. These activities are not only designed to passively neutralize the telemarketer's or salesperson's aggressiveness, but can lead to the salesperson wanting to quickly…

This special issue is designed for those who want to know all they can about the new federal requirements for nutrition information on food labels. Nine articles are included. "Good Reading for Good Eating" (Paula Kurtzweil) addresses mandatory nutrition labeling, the nutrition panel, nutrient content and health claims, and ingredient…

In a paper delivered (June, 1974) at the Nationwide Staff Meeting of the National Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults, the author stresses the need for consumer involvement in agencies providing services to the handicapped. (LS)

The average family spends hundreds of dollars a year on personal care products. If not treated with care and common sense, these products may be harmful or even deadly. This booklet is designed to increase awareness of the entire range of such products. The proper use of cosmetics, especially eye make-up which might cause eye infections, is…

Based on the work of a task force of sixty-eight professionals (from medical and other related occupational fields) who met to define the role of the consumer in the improvement of the quality of his own health care, lists of positive directives for consumer action are presented under each of the following categories: access to health care,…

This publication contains materials and activities for a one day consumer education workshop for leaders of community organizations. It is the contention of the developers that consumers should influence the environments in which they make their decisions rather than merely accept the marketplace conditions which confront them. The publication…

This module is one of a set of seven prepared in conjunction with the title I "Project to Train Volunteer Leaders to Conduct Consumer Education Courses." It is designed to be a basic text for use in making a one-hour presentation on how to buy goods and services. An accompanying slide set is keyed to the text of the module. (An illustration of…

This paper traces the development of consumer education and of the two closely related areas of the consumer movement and economic education. It is intended for use by graduate students in the three fields, teachers of consumer and economic education, material producers, education administrators, and other policymakers, including government,…

This manual is designed to assist helping professionals responsible for developing consumer education programs for older adults on the topic of consumer fraud and deception. In a modular presentation format, the materials address the following areas of concern: (1) types of frauds and deceptions such as money schemes, mail order fraud,…

Several classroom activities designed to examine the persuasive techniques used in consumer advertising are outlined. (DE)