This rejoinder to a criticism of an article that decried the use of topological thinking in the mental retardation field argues that topological thinking is a form of psychological existentialism that offers a reductive approach to human development. It urges the inclusion of individual as well as group scores in studies. (Contains references.)…

A short-term memory task was used to explore the effects of verbal labeling and rehearsal on serial-position recall in mildly retarded 9-to 11-year-old children. Results support the view that verbal skills affect recall in mildly retarded children similarly to normal children. (Author/SDH)

The paper examines the sociological processes evidenced by Western and non-Western cultures in labeling persons as mentally retarded. A historical overview, examination of current definitions, and analysis of cross-cultural studies are presented. It was determined that, although mental retardation is universally recognized, its cognition,…

Explored the pattern of rehabilitation counselors' attitudes toward four categories of disabled people (alcoholics, mentally retarded, paraplegics, schizophrenics). Found that rehabilitation counselors and related helping professionals maintained preconceived stereotypes about categories of disabled people and that counselors' attitudes toward the…

Observations of operationally defined nontask oriented classroom behaviors of educable mentally retarded (EMR), educationally handicapped (EH), learning disabled (LD), and nonhandicapped students were compared. Significant differences in behavioral characteristics among the groups were indicated. (Author/GK)

The meaning of the label "mentally retarded" is discussed with two adults who have been labeled mentally retarded and have spent a significant portion of their lives in residential facilities, and their stories are contrasted with R. Edgerton's classic study, "The Cloak of Competence." (PHR)

Diagnostic procedures aimed at labeling, selection, and placement in special schools for children designated in Germany as learning handicapped are compared with support and intervention-oriented strategies. Construction and administration of alternative diagnostic instruments and approaches such as inventories and surveys are examined.…

The book, second in a series concerning the habilitation of the severely and profoundly retarded, was compiled to facilitate rapid professional dissemination of reports from the Specialized Training Program at the University of Oregon. Titles and authors in the section "Issues in Habilitation" include "Vocational Training and…

Large numbers of black children are being inappropriately labeled as handicapped. One study in California has shown that as many as 75% of the minority students in public school programs for the educable mentally retarded were not, in fact, retarded. In many instances a student's behavior, rather than pure academic performance, was the primary…

Two major papers consider community problems of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, while two others present possible resolutions. Two selections present reactions to each of the four major papers. In the first major paper John L. Johnson discusses the issue of community heat, a term referring to the growing community resistance to…

Effects of the label "mentally retarded" and academic competence on 96 low-income sixth-grade children's attitudes toward peers were examined. (Author)