PIAGET HAS BEEN CONCERNED WITH THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF CONSERVATION AND RELATED PROCESSES, BUT HE HAS NOT FOCUSED EXPERIMENTALLY ON THE FACTORS WHICH CAN ACCOUNT FOR THE LEARNING OF CONSERVATION. TO INVESTIGATE SUCH FACTORS, RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED (1) TO DETERMINE THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF TWO PARTICULAR GROUP TRAINING…

A matrix test was devised to assess cognitive skills associated with inferential reasoning. The format of the test requires the subject to choose, from among four alternatives, a figure which is related to other given figures on the basis of appearance, content, or spatial position in the matrix. The test consists of three perceptual matching…

This report is the 2-year followup evaluation of a proposed 4-year grant, studying the effects of a sequential learning program on disadvantaged children. Four- and 5-year-olds (N=86) were matched on several developmental variables, with one group at each age entering the Learning to Learn Program at either the nursery or kindergarten level. The…

The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS/S) was the nationally standardized, norm-referenced test selected for the Idaho Statewide Testing Program for 1976-77. It provided basic skills measures in reading, language, mathematics, total battery, reference skills, science and social studies. Students in the 4th, 8th and 11th grades from 51 of…

Two experiments investigated perceptual primacy of dimensional and similarity relations in stimulus classifications of younger and older subjects. Results support a differential-sensitivity view of perceptual development which asserts that individuals at all ages primarily perceive and use separate relations. (RWB)

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) were administered to Anglo- and Mexican-American children aged four to six. Both scales measured similar, but not identical, intellectual and achievement factors, indicating concurrent validity. Anglo children scored higher on WPPSI verbal…

The following data for 50 states of the United States were analyzed: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) verbal, mathematics, and total scores; percentage of high school graduates taking the SAT; percentage of nonminority students; pupil teacher ratio; teacher salary; pupil expenditure; state expenditures for education; average income; and employment…

Compared the cost effectiveness of the social learning approach and the social learning approach with reinforcement to increase targeted social skills with socially withdrawn/isolate children. The frequency of four behaviours were observed. The social learning approach with reinforcement was more cost effective, thus more feasible. (Author)

Examined teacher and mental health professional's ratings of the seriousness of 50 behavior problems and compared results to those of Wickman (1928). Found an increase in the similarity between teachers' and mental health professionals' judgments and between children's and teachers' judgments. (Author/JAC)

Examined the relationship between performance on the Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (EOWPVT) and other verbal and nonverbal ability measures in a group of preschool borderline retarded children. Results tentatively support the use of the EOWPVT as a measure of verbal intelligence in this population. (Author/JAC)

Investigated teachers' ability to identify students at-risk for failure. Found correlations between teachers' ratings and standard measures of intelligence and ability of 337 sixth graders were highly significant and predictive of high school grades. At-risk students were significantly less academically able, more anxious and had lower…

Compared three methods of training remedial reading tutors. All groups made significant improvements. The group that practiced the skills and received feedback made the greatest gains. The group that observed a model was significantly better than the lecture group. (Author/JAC)

Measured differences in employment issues between native Canadian Indians and a nonnative comparison group in Toronto. Given similar circumstances, found Native Canadians less formally educated and skill trained than nonnatives of comparable age, sex, and education. Respondents under 25 and over 50 earned substantially less. (Author)

Examined the relationships between the McCarthy Scales General Cognitive Index, the McCarthy Screening Test, Kaufman's McCarthy short form, and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test using a sample of elementary students. Found the Estimated General Cognitive Index by Kaufman's short form was virtually identical to the McCarthy Scales Index.…

Teachers in a small high school nominated students whose classroom behavior facilitates or inhibits (disrupts) the learning process. These two groups were compared on locus of control, Maslow motive hierarchies, attitudes toward crime prevention, and achievement. Results are discussed and suggestions for helping disruptive students are made. (SJL)