Examines kindergarten, second-, and fourth-grade children's use of the presence or absence of extrinsic rewards to make inferences about the intrinsic motivation of another person. Results are discussed in terms of parameters of the attributional effects, the possible mechanism responsible for the phenomena, and significance for other…

Evaluates fourth-to seventh-grade children on two aspects of social cognition: interpersonal understanding and means-ends problem-solving ability. Relates the two variables to sex, age, IQ, social class, and multiple dimensions of competence. Both variables significantly correlated with I.Q. while interpersonal understanding also correlated with…

Identifies limitations of culturalist perspective often advocated by Latino mental health workers outlines folk healing practices they favor. Notes that culturalist perspective suffers from ahistorical/asocial/static conceptualization, and lacks analysis of class/sex/structural dimensions of so-called cultural expressions. Calls for recognition of…

Using a cross-section of European secondary school history textbooks, a study examined general developments in the presentation of history over the last decades. Three to 5 textbooks from 13 European countries were examined. Until the mid-1960s textbooks were primarily concerned with the history of the particular state or nation, but over the last…

This guidebook proposes a different way of teaching history: start from today and keep asking questions. The guidebook's theory is that as students investigate possible answers, they make connections across miles and centuries. It contends that, along the way, they experience that essential insight of the social studies point of view has…

Two hypotheses (selective attention and slot filling) of how schemata enhance the learning and recall of the initial comprehension of prose material were tested. Consistent with the attention-focusing hypothesis, readers spent more time on sentences containing information important to their assigned perspective. (Author/PN)

Defines and describes the concept of social cognition and its relationship to various psychological positions. Outlines Selman's stage theory of social cognition and the influence of Piaget's theory. Issues of interpersonal understanding are related to concepts of the individual, friendship, peer group and parent-child relations. (JAC)

Discusses an approach to moral education that is based on developmental theory and involves creative dramatics and role playing of themes in children's books. Guidelines for preparatory exercises, an outline of the dramatization process, and a list of books classified according to feelings, emotions, and character traits illuminated in the stories…

Possible differential relations between social sensitivity and perspective taking and prohibitive and prosocial moral reasoning were assessed for males and females. The levels of principled or internalized reasoning in these content areas were compared. (Author/GK)

Demonstrates that the manner in which fourth-grade students develop points of view in classroom writing is a function of the verbal interaction patterns these children maintain with their teachers. (HOD)

Tom Skrtic, associate professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas, is interviewed. His books include critical analyses of special education from numerous theoretical perspectives in the social sciences and humanities, as well as applications of organizational perspectives to past and current reform efforts in special and general…

Results indicate that socially maladjusted girls with histories of delinquency involving aggressive, disruptive, and antisocial behavior resulting in placement in institutional custody can, through training in social perspective-taking, increase their understanding of others in interpersonal situations. Subjects were 16 girls of 10-16 years of…

Presented are suggestions for simulations for students in grades 3-12, designed to promote an understanding of how individuals with handicaps cope and adapt to their disability. Simulation ideas include toothbrushing while blindfolded and dressing with socks covering the hands. A participant's reaction form and an observer's reaction form are…

Presents a former family day care provider's reflections on preschool teaching priorities. Priorities include teaching flexibility and creativity, acceptance of one's own and others' vulnerability, valuing of each other's individuality, and development of empathy. (BB)

Discusses the problems of perspective in dealing with minority cultures, citing many examples from world history. Discusses effects of dominant languages and cultures upon minority ones. Mobility is examined as a feature of peripheral cultures with fragile economies. Implications for multicultural education discussed. 23 notes and references. (TES)