A test of theoretical models that account for information processing demands

This study tested four theoretical models in terms of their fit with demands placed on our cognitive system by traditional tests of cognitive ability. We did so by administering seven tests of cognitive ability known to require varying types of processing demands to a large group of college undergraduates (N = 193). We compared the models using confirmatory factor analyses, including those based upon a unitary factor, speed and capacity, crystallized and fluid intelligence, and verbal and spatial ability. The crystallized/fluid model provided the best fit with the data. This finding is consistent with previous research. Implications for education and future research are discussed.     

Teachers with learning disabilities: a view from both sides of the desk

The purpose of this qualitative multicase study was to explore the perceptions of individuals who could speak from both sides of the special education desk--as students and as teachers. The three participants for this study each received special education services for learning disabilities while in school and were currently teaching students with learning disabilities. Specifically the study focused on how participants' past experiences with receiving special education services influenced their current practice as special education teachers. Participants' views on service delivery models, the importance of teacher expectations, and the value of conceiving a learning disability as a tool rather than a deficit are discussed.     

A longitudinal study of state government homepage accessibility in Maryland and the role of web page templates for improving accessibility

It is well documented that government agencies, at all levels, continue to have problems ensuring that government web sites follow laws related to web accessibility for people with disabilities. Although there are a number of published studies on government web accessibility that are point-in-time, there are no published studies consisting of a longitudinal analysis of state-level government web site accessibility. This paper contributes to the research literature in three ways: 1) an accessibility inspection of 25 Maryland state government homepages in 2012 which involved 150 human inspections of web pages, 2) a comparison of the results from 2012 to a similar accessibility evaluation in 2009, and 3) a discussion of the role of a web page template, which was introduced in Maryland state government shortly after the 2009 evaluation. The data from this longitudinal evaluation leads to the conclusion that web page templates do tend to result in more accessible sites within state government.     

An explanation of reading comprehension across development using models from Cattell–Horn–Carroll theory: Support for integrative models of reading

The purpose of this research was to investigate the cognitive abilities that explain reading comprehension across childhood and early adulthood. Drawing from the standardization sample of the Woodcock–Johnson III, analyses were conducted with large samples at age levels spanning early childhood to early adulthood: 5 to 6 (n = 639), 7 to 8 (n = 720), 9 to 13 (n = 1,995), 14 to 19 (n = 1,615), and 20 to 39 (n = 1,409). Using a model including factors representing general intelligence, Cattell–Horn–Carroll broad abilities, and reading decoding skills, results revealed significant direct effects for reading decoding skills and Crystallized Intelligence on reading comprehension across all age levels. Memory‐related abilities, processing speed, and auditory processing demonstrated indirect effects on reading comprehension through reading decoding skills. The magnitude of direct and indirect effects varied as a function of age. The results provide support for integrative models of reading that include both direct and indirect effects of cognitive abilities on reading comprehension and for consideration of developmental differences in the cognitive aptitudes predicting reading comprehension. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The Merits and Demerits of Pleasure in Kinesiology

What role should pleasure play in kinesiology? Although pleasure is an important concept in kinesiology, the strengths, weaknesses, and dangers of this concept have not been properly clarified. Douglas Booth and Richard Pringle have both recently scolded kinesiologists over the issue of pleasure in kinesiology with decidedly mixed results. They insist that the importance of pleasure has been neglected, and that the role that human culture plays in properly understanding pleasure in kinesiology, has been underestimated. Booth (2009) Booth, D. 2009. Pleasure and physical education philosophy. Quest, 61(2): 133–153. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] argues that “puritanical” prohibitions have made pleasure suspect. Pringle (2010) Pringle, R. 2010. The educative value of positive movement affects. Quest, 62(2): 119–134. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] argues that kinesiologists must remember that “many students are not currently gaining a love for movement in their [physical education] experiences” (p. 130). Each scholar's suspicion of traditional distinctions between “good and bad physical pleasures” (Booth, 2009 Booth, D. 2009. Pleasure and physical education philosophy. Quest, 61(2): 133–153. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], p. 148) results in an untenable commitment to pleasure as an intrinsic good. In short, their views are hedonistic. Although Booth and Pringle are right that pleasure is good, it is not an end in itself.     

The Four Marks of Holistic Kinesiology

What, to borrow a theological phrase, are the marks of a truly holistic kinesiology department? In Kinesis and the Nature of the Human Person (2010), I examined the theoretical impact of Aristotle's definition of kinesis and Polanyi's theory of tacit knowledge on kinesiology. The intention here, however, is practical rather than theoretical. How would a holistic philosophy impact the day-to-day activities within the discipline of kinesiology? What tenets would a holistic department of kinesiology hold? What direction and aims would such a department have? Four areas of impact and reform are offered. First, kinesiologists should engage the humanities. A vibrant humanistic presence in the field will not only make kinesiology more holistic; it will give kinesiologists the tools to articulate a holistic understanding of the nature of the human person. Second, kinesiologists should recognize the importance of experience, practice, and apprenticeship within the field. Third, departments should embrace rather than shun specificity. Finally, kinesiologists are encouraged to acknowledge that a field dedicated to “physical activity” must require, engage in, and passionately profess the actual practice of “moving well.”     

Rhetorical strategies for a culture war: Abortion in the 1992 campaign

Data from the American National Election Study reveals that the issue of abortion was the most significant policy issue in the 1992 presidential campaign. This essay examines the general strategies of Clinton and Bush regarding the abortion issue among the complex of family values appeals. A special analytical focus highlights the image of a dead fetus that was shown in campaign advertising in a variety of states, and that was the “hot button”; for true believers among the right‐to‐life forces. The impact of abortion on the vote for the presidential candidates is presented with data that allows a speculative projection of the influence of the abortion issue on future national election campaigns.