Developmental Cascade and Transactional Associations Among Biological and Behavioral Indicators of Temperament and Maternal Behavior

An empirical model of temperament that assessed transactional and cascade associations between respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), negative affectivity, and the caregiving environment (i.e., maternal intrusiveness) across three time points during infancy (N = 388) was examined. Negative affectivity at 5 months was associated positively with maternal intrusiveness at 10 months, which in turn predicted increased negative affectivity at 24 months. RSA at 5 months was associated positively with negative affectivity at 10 months, which subsequently predicted greater RSA at 24 months. Finally, greater RSA at 5 months predicted greater negative affectivity at 10 months, which in turn predicted greater maternal intrusiveness at 24 months. Results are discussed from a biopsychosocial perspective of development.     

On the association between serial naming speed for letters and digits and word‐reading skill: towards a developmental account

The current study examined several alternative explanations of the association between serial naming speed within fourth‐grade children by determining the extent to which the association between word reading and naming speed for letters and numbers is mediated by global processing speed, alphanumeric symbol processing efficiency and phonological processing ability. Children were given multiple measures of key constructs, i.e. word‐level reading, serial naming of both alphanumeric and non‐alphanumeric items, phonological processing ability, articulation rate and global processing speed. The robust association between alphanumeric naming speed and reading within fourth‐grade children was largely mediated by phonological processing ability. Markedly different patterns of results were observed for naming speed for letters and digits and naming speed for colours and pictures in children of this age. Relative to the latter, alphanumeric naming speed better assesses an underlying phonological processing ability that is common to word‐reading ability. We argue that item identification processes contribute little to individual differences in alphanumeric naming speed within relatively proficient readers and that the extent to which alphanumeric naming speed primarily reflects phonological processing is likely to vary with the level of overlearning of letters and numbers and their names.     

A New Method of Linking Courses: A Theologian and a Sociologist Share Their Experience

In this article we briefly address the rationale for linking courses and the types of student learning communities that exist in various institutions of higher education. We then describe a new method we used to link our theology (Protestant Churches in America) and sociology (Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Inequality) courses in which no students were enrolled in both courses. We discuss the practical aspects of our linkage and conclude by highlighting the evaluation of the linked courses. We found that the students went beyond the stated learning objectives and that all parties involved in the courses were satisfied with the new undertaking. Sr. Michaela Galles (M.S., M.A., University of Notre Dame) is Associate Professor of Theology at Briar Cliff University, and she specializes in the theology of sacraments and Christology. Paul J. Olson (Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) specializes in the sociology of religion and is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Briar Cliff University.     

An Exploration of Supervisory and Therapeutic Relationships and Client Outcomes

The authors explored the connection between the facilitative conditions present within the supervisory relationship, the therapeutic relationship, and client outcomes. A correlational research design was used with a sample of 55 counselors‐in‐training and 88 clients. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between the therapeutic relationship and client outcomes and a significant negative relationship between the supervisory relationship and client outcomes.     

Some experiments in diagnostic teaching

Three teaching experiments are reported which study aspects of a diagnostic teaching methodology based on identifying key conceptual points and misconceptions, focusing on these, giving substantial open challenges, provoking cognitive conflict, and resolving it through intensive discussion. An experiment in the field of directional quantities showed a positive relation between the intensity of discussion and amount of learning; one on fractions and another on geometric reflections both showed — in comparison with individualized booklets, for which retention was very low — strikingly good two-month retention under the experimental teaching methods. The particular misconceptions found in each topic are also described.     

A Comparison of Science Performance and Uptake by Fifteen‐year‐old Boys and Girls in Co‐educational and Single‐sex schools—APU survey findings

A naive analysis of the science performance of pupils attending single‐sex and mixed schools shows that, on average, pupils attending the former achieved higher scores. However, since many of the pupils in single‐sex schools attend either independent or grammar schools, the performance difference may have little to do with the attendance at single‐sex schools but more to do with the preselection by ability of pupils in these schools. When comprehensives only are considered, there are no statistically significant differences in the mean performance on the APU tests between single‐sex and mixed schools for either boys or girls. Also there is no evidence that there was a large increase in the take‐up of science subjects for girls attending single‐sex schools. The paper describes why it is not sensible to attribute differences directly to the separation of pupils in schools by sex.     

The Changing World of Home Technology: A Microsoft Case Study

We have entered the “digital decade,” when advances in technology will become deeply woven into home life. But how will technology evolve from an experience that is technologically challenging to an experience that is intuitive and fun? This article reviews new technologies and related possibilities that Microsoft is envisioning in the context of home life. As a specific example of the impact of home technology, we review lessons learned from the adoption and integration of a home Internet device from a user experience perspective. Looking ahead to the next decade, we then take a look at Microsoft's vision for the home of the future, examining new directions.     

Abusive head trauma: A perpetrator confesses

Objectives

To present a detailed confession from a perpetrator of Shaken Baby syndrome.

Methods

Case study.

Results

We present a confession of Shaken Baby syndrome describing how the perpetrator severely injured a 3 year old with repeated bursts of acceleration-deceleration (shaking). The child sustained retinal and intracranial hemorrhage. Details of the confession and circumstances by which it was obtained lead us to believe its accuracy.

Conclusions

Accurate perpetrator confessions offer useful windows into realities and pathophysiology of abusive head trauma.