The author (1) explains a system analysis approach developed by the Sports Institute for Research through Change Agent Research (SIR/CAR) for working with government, business, and service organizations in sport-related areas; (2) examines the distinction between professional athletics and amateur sport; (3) discusses conflict resolution by…

This paper addresses the role of the school psychologist and how this role can be broadened to encompass areas other than just test administration, and takes a look at what additional knowledge is needed in order to fill more consultative and administrative roles. Through better training programs, the school psychologist is beginning to perform…

Testing the validity of a model incorporating the "threat" factors in crisis decision-making, this study rested on the assumption that the threat of crisis decision-making stems from two sources: perceived effects of the crisis (stimulus threat) and perceived adequacy of capabilities for dealing with the crisis (response threat). Stimulus threat…

This study examines behavioral mediators which might possibly be associated with risk taking. Specifically, it is concerned with answering the question of whether there are attributes of a risk taking situation which make it more conducive for males to take greater risks than for females. The situation used in this experiment, a regulation…

The Delphi technique was used as one instrument in an evaluation of the Ruppert Education Center, an alternative high school. One of its contributions stemmed from its conventional use as a way to assess goal priorities of school policy-makers. In addition it helped to (1) focus the evaluation; (2) assess community interest, knowledge and…

This skill laboratory provides a technique for problem definition and alternative methods to gather pertinent data that surrounds a given situation. Seven skills are discussed including Kaufman's tri-level needs assessment model, intergroup building, organizational slice, force field analysis, brainstorming, problem definition, and conflict…

This paper discusses some of the central issues involved in philosophizing about rhetoric by raising two primary questions within the context of three traditional branches of philosophy: ontology, axiology, and epistemology. The two questions raised are: What are dialectical tensions in a philosophy of rhetoric? and How does a person try to cope…

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate an experimental procedure which lends itself to the controlled study of adult moral behavior. The procedure is a variation of Prisoner's Dilemma, a game widely used for the study of conflict resolution. The conflict generated by the game is both interpersonal and intrapersonal. The key issue in the…

Ethical problems in program evaluation are increased when conflicting or incompatible models are applied concurrently. Three models are illustrated: an amelioration model, for a program's own decision makers; an accountability model, focusing on public data disclosure; and an advocacy model, designed to advance the program's interest. Case…

The Automatic Interaction Detector (AID) method of data analysis is utilized with 512 low income families. Results show that associations of the predictor variables with marital intactness are neither linear nor additive. Nevertheless, two variables emerge in explaining marital intactness: mode of decision-making and strategy of conflict…

Research on procedural justice has suggested that the distribution of control among participants can be used to classify dispute-resolution procedures and may be an important determinant of preference for such procedures. This experiment demonstrates that control can be meaningfully divided into two components: control over the presentation of…

Discusses different roles the problem statement can play in inquiry and some resulting classroom implications. (SL)

Family Impact Analysis, a framework for assessing the impact of legal and social policy on the family, is described as an objective approach of investigating the implementation of family legal policy. (Author)

Although superintendents reflect their districts' value systems, very little attention is paid to values in administrative preparation programs. This study uses relatively routine external and internal conflicts in school districts as a means to explore superintendents' value orientations. Most prefer action and are aware of their personal values.…

Forty pairs of separated parents were randomly assigned to attempt to settle their child custody dispute either in mediation or through adversary procedures. Outcomes of the two methods of dispute resolution were compared in regard to diversions from court, parents' evaluations of the court experience, and parents' psychological adjustment.…