A test of one aspect of scientific creativity, the ability to formulate hypotheses to account for research findings, was given to 400 college students, along with ability and personality measures. Scores for quantity and quality of hypotheses were reliable and showed evidence of construct validity. Both quantity and quality feedback had their…

Discussed is the tendency in science to challenge obvious explanation for observed phenomenon. Ten examples are given where the initial obvious explanation was subsequently shown to be totally incorrect. Four examples that relate to biomedicine are presented in detail. (SL)

Discusses the historical rod contraction-block retardation (RC-CR) ether theory to illustrate its relationship to the special theory of relativity and the possibility of experimental differences between them. Indicates that the RC-CR theory is worthy of the attention of both physicists and science philosophers. (CC)

Discusses a common error found in organic chemistry textbooks regarding the phenomenon of "conjugate reduction." Provides a table of experimental data involving the reduction of alpha-, beta-unsaturated compounds. An accompanying discussion explains reasons for the lack of correspondence between textbook information and the experimental…

Describes how physicists are zeroing in on a unified field theory. The contributions of particle physicists and a glossary for new particles are also presented. (HM)

A scientific communication model of the emergence of a hybrid research area was tested on 74 researchers in the field of developmental dyslexia. Results show support for a model of Mulkay's model branching instead of Kuhn's model of scientific revolution; evidence points to divergence rather than convergence among the related research areas.…

Investigates the nature of catastrophic volcanism and the rifting process. Describes two kinds of evidence: quantitative descriptions of rock melting and a wide range of observations. Discusses examples of continent growth in the North Atlantic, India and the Seychelles islands, and the South Atlantic. (YP)

The difference in time between the emission and reception of light is called the "lookback" time. This article explores implications of lookback time and explains some of the puzzling questions posed by the scientific observation of cosmic history. Provides several pictures and diagrams. (YP)

Argues that the limited results achieved so far by empirical educational research are a result of a fundamental difference in the generalized concepts used therein and the abstract concepts used in the natural sciences. Discusses the work of Galileo and Newton to clarify the difference between generalization and abstraction. (DMM)

Presents some classic information on the biology of insects as well as some new research on ants, butterflies, and beetles. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

This rejoinder to commentaries on the authors' original article (EC 630 380) concerning the balance between science and politics in the education of students with learning disabilities first clarifies and expands particular points, then addresses each of the four commentaries individually. The authors urge increasing scientific research and…

In this study the photoinhibition of photosystems (PS) I and II caused by exposure to high intensity light in oat ("Avena sativa," var Prevision) is measured by the emission of chlorophyll fluorescence in intact leaves adapted to darkness. The maximal quantum yield of PS II was lower in plants grown under high light intensity than in plants grown…

This book is the second volume of an annual publication that deals with the sociology of the sciences from a very broad perspective. This volume is designed to stimulate new discussion among historians and sociologists of science and technology, economic and social historians as well as philosophers of science aiming at a more appropriate…

Describes cosmic flukes which offer a unique window on new information about the universe. Discusses the historical background, theory, and detection of this effect. Proposes the importance of information found by the examination of these phenomena. (CW)

Discusses solar thermal collectors, solar thermal electric power conversion, photovoltaic power conversion, and wind energy conversion, and discusses implications for industrial arts. (TA)