Proportional reasoning and the linguistic abilities required for hypothetico-deductive reasoning

The hypothesis is advanced that a necessary, though not sufficient, condition for the acquisition of proportional reasoning during adolescence is the prior internalization of key linguistic elements of argumentation, essentially those used in hypothetico-deductive reasoning. This hypothesized internalization, which does not occur in all individuals, results in some who have acquired the ability to reflect upon the correctness of self-generated answers in a hypothetico-deductive manner, and others who have not. As an initial test of the hypothesis, 46 subjects (Ss) (mean age = 21.03 years) were classified into additive, transitional, or proportional reasoning categories based upon responses to a proportions task. Group differences were found in which proportional Ss performed better than transitional Ss who in turn performed better than additive Ss on a number of items testing Ss' abilities to identify, generate, and use the linguistic elements of argumentation. Further it was found that some Ss who were successful on the linguistic items failed the proportions task, but no Ss who were successful on the proportions task failed the linguistic items. This result supports the hypothesis that the internalization of linguistic elements of argumentation is a prerequisite for proportional reasoning and by inference other advanced reasoning schemata as well. Implications for science instruction are drawn.     

Business of Broadcasting

Joseph S. Johnson and Kenneth K. Jones' Modern Radio Station Practices (Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 1972—$7.95)

Edd Routt (double letters in each name correct) The Business of Radio Broadcasting (Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: Tab Books, 1972— $12.95)

Giraud Chester, Garnet Garrison, and Edgar Willis' Television and Radio (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1971—$11.95)

Evelyn Sarson (ed.). Action for Children's Television (New York: Avon Discus Books, 1971— $1.25, paper)

The Fourth Network (New York: The Network Project, 102 Earl Hall, Columbia University, 1971—$3.00, paper)

William Kuhns' Exploring Television (Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1971—$3.20, paper; with a Teacher's Guide available for $1.00, paper)

Wayne Green's (ed.), The Fascinating World of Radio Communications (Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: Tab Books, 1971—$6.95/3.95)

The Wit and Wisdom of Archie Bunker (New York: Popular Library, 1971—.95, paper)     

Improving the International Student Experience in Australia Through Embedded Peer Mentoring

As Australia endeavors to sustain growth of its international education industry, there have been major concerns regarding the experience of international students. This review examines the international student experience in Australia, particularly issues surrounding study–work–life balance (SWLB), acculturation, health, and well-being. The current university initiatives of pastoral care services and peer mentoring are evaluated and noted to be underutilized by students. Consequently, an internationalized, university-wide peer-mentor-embedded classroom initiative is proposed. While attempting to overcome the main methodological issues identified, future research is invited to test whether such an initiative is effective in producing positive acculturation, SWLB, health and well-being outcomes for both international and local students.     

The studio model: Should publishing follow Hollywood’s approach to the creative process?

Publishers have long outsourced many parts of their operations. Should they go the whole way and outsource the whole of the process, becoming more like a Hollywood studio: “a bank with a sales force?” A number of senior publishers surveyed responded to this proposition. Positive and negative aspects of outsourcing can be tested, suggesting considerable benefits possible from increased outsourcing of creative talent.