The Motion Picture in Science Education: “One Hundred Percent Efficiency”

This study provides a historical overview of the development of the motion picture as a tool within the context of science education. The technology was traced from its beginning as a silent motion picture through its current manifestation in videotapes and videodiscs. The use of the technology as a teaching tool is examined in terms of the concept of scientific literacy and the means by which the motion picture helped to accomplish the goals of scientific literacy.     

The Structure of Work,Patterns of Communication,and Organizational Learning: A Three‐Nation Comparison

National differences in patterns of new product development reflect differences in patterns of communication and delegation within the organization. In mature U.S. corporations, projects are generally controlled by superiors and implemented by subordinates who compete with each other. People making critical decisions may lack critical information while the people responsible for implementation may not have a stake in overall project success. The result is frequent failure. In U.S. startups, smaller Italian companies and in Japanese management groups, work is carried out by cooperative groups. Members have a shared stake in overall project success. Decisions are made to promote overall project success. Differences among small group performance in U.S., Italian, and Japanese companies reflect differences in the scope of group activity. U.S. startups can innovate technologies, business processes, and products. Innovations by small Italian companies are generally restricted to changes that compliment the activities of other firms in their network. Japanese business groups operate within a highly structured corporate environment. Innovations tend to be limited to elaborations in core technologies, processes, and products.     

Associations Between Perceived Material Deprivation,Parents’ Discipline Practices,and Children's Behavior Problems: An International Perspective

This study investigated the association between perceived material deprivation, children's behavior problems, and parents’ disciplinary practices. The sample included 1,418 8- to 12-year-old children and their parents in China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States. Multilevel mixed- and fixed-effects regression models found that, even when income remained stable, perceived material deprivation was associated with children's externalizing behavior problems and parents’ psychological aggression. Parents’ disciplinary practices mediated a small share of the association between perceived material deprivation and children's behavior problems. There were no differences in these associations between mothers and fathers or between high- and low- and middle-income countries. These results suggest that material deprivation likely influences children's outcomes at any income level.     

Comparing learning styles for students with conduct and emotional problems

In Phase 1 of the study (1991–1992 school year), 43 elementary school students in five special education classes for behaviorally disordered children were classified using the Differential Test of Conduct and Emotional Problems. Subjects were classified as primarily emotional (ED) or conduct problems (CP). Results were as follows: 11 ED (26%), 15 CP (35%), 13 both ED and CP (31%), and 4 (9%) falling into neither grouping. During Phase 2 (1996–1997 school year), a different cohort of students (n = 68), from the same five elementary special education classes plus one junior high school class, was also classified on the Learning Style Identification Scale. Phase 2 results were 12 students ED (18%), 16 CP (24%), 14 both ED and CP (21%), and 26 neither (38%). Eighty‐eight percent of conduct problem students were classified as Style 1 learners. Findings are examined in light of federal special education eligibility criteria, specifically the exclusion of “socially maladjusted” students. Implications for the multidisciplinary team placement process and educational programming are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Relationship of perceived parenting styles,locus of control orientation,and self-concept among junior high age students

Relationships between adolescents' perceptions of their parents' responsiveness and demandingness, adolescents' locus of control orientation, and adolescents' self-concept ratings were investigated. Participants included 198 students in grades eight and nine who were administered the Nowicki–Strickland Internal–External Locus of Control Scale, the Harter Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, and the Perceived Parenting Styles Survey. Participants who perceived their parents as being Authoritative had a significantly more internal locus of control orientation than subjects who perceived their parents as either Permissive or Authoritarian. Self-Concept scores were significantly higher for the Authoritative group than for the Permissive or Authoritarian groups in several areas. The findings indicate that an Authoritative style of parenting may contribute to the development of self-adequacy by being associated with internal locus of control orientation and stronger self-concept, while Permissive and Authoritarian styles of parenting may be associated with negative patterns of social-emotional development. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Concurrent relationships between two behavioral rating scales for teachers: An examination of self-control,social competence,and school behavioral adjustment

This investigation describes the uses and concurrent relations of two behavioral rating scales for teachers: The Teacher's Self-Control Rating Scale (TSCRS) and The Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment. Both instruments were completed by the regular classroom teachers of 92 students who were referred to multidisciplinary teams because of perceived academic problems. Pearson product-moment correlations between the two instruments were all statistically significant, indicating moderate to high levels of concurrent validity between the two instruments and significant overlap between the constructs they measure, particularly the constructs of behavioral self-control and school behavioral adjustment. Comparisons of the study population with instrument norm scores of typical students indicated that the referred group was rated as having significantly lower levels of social-behavioral competency than the norm groups.     

Computer-adapted PPVT-R: A comparison between standard and modified versions within an elementary school population

The PPVT-R was administered to 112 elementary school children in both computerautomated and standard formats. The comparability of test results was investigated. The automated format consisted of transparent plates placed in front of a computer screen with an Apple IIE computer and keyboard as the response medium. The correlations found between the standard and modified versions were positive, substantial, and acceptable for clinical use. The usefulness of adapted psychological testing with normal and response-limited individuals is discussed.     

Written versus oral administration of a social-emotional self-report test for children: Does method of execution make a difference?

This study examined administration method (standard written administration vs. oral administration by an examiner) as a variable in influencing children's self-report test scores. Subjects included 139 students in grades 3–6, randomly assigned to one or the other administration condition. Subjects completed the Internalizing Disorders Evaluation Scale for Children (IDESC) according to the assigned administration method. Internal consistency estimates of each group were essentially similar. Mean IDESC scores of the two groups did not differ significantly from either a statistical or practical standpoint, based on t-test and effect size calculations. Results suggest that method of administration did not affect test performance. Implications for child assessment and future research are discussed.