Ascertained influence of an intervention in development of operational seriation/transitivity in kindergarten/first-grade children (N=60) who initially failed to demonstrate ability to do seriation/transitivity problems. Seriation of size was also studied. Results, interpreted in context of Piaget's equilibrium theory, indicated advancement toward…

Compared effectiveness of teacher-demonstration and self-paced modes of teaching concepts and problem-solving skills in college chemistry. Results showed the self-paced mode significantly more effective for teaching concepts and problem-solving skills. Results of an attitude test also showed that most students (N=60) preferred the self-paced…

A mathematical model of information acquisition is presented and empirically evaluated in comparison to evidence obtained from experimental studies of science content acquisition. Implications of the model for human information acquisition and future research are discussed in the context of the unique theoretical framework of the model. (Author/JN)

Investigated relationships of mathematics/science achievement, science self-concept, and sex to science career preferences of Black male (N=113) and female (N=148) junior high school students. Findings suggest that early adolescent science career preferences are related more to interests consonant with sex-role considerations than realistic…

Examined effect of two classroom climates (discovery and nondiscovery) on learning of science process skills and content achievement of college students (N=78). Results indicate that students in both climates achieved equally well, but students in the discovery climate achieved higher process scores as measured by the Welch Science Process…

Three psychometric methods for validating learning hierarchies were applied to one data set derived from student responses (N=269) to items representing skills in a hypothesized hierarchy for the mole concept. The hierarchy derived from the analysis was supported by a test for transfer of learning from subordinate to superordinate skills.…

Investigated whether students perceive science classroom environment in significantly different ways depending on their science teacher's sex. Reported differences (such as perceiving classes taught by males as more difficult), and possible relationships between these differences and changes in girl's preference for science are discussed.…

Investigated importance, according to teachers (N=257), of a validated list of 10 aims for school practical work at three grade levels. Also investigated the orientation of students (N=724) toward these same aims (expressed as influences) and compared aims for teachers with influences as perceived by students. (Author/JN)

Examines what power-related changes occured in science education research over the past decade as a result of an earlier survey. Previous recommendations are expanded/expounded upon within the context of more recent work in the area. Proposes guidelines for reporting minimal amount of information for clear/independent evaluation of research…

Tested effect of two persuasive messages presented by a credible communicator on energy conservation attitudes of 180 preservice elementary teachers. Focused on changes resulting from brief, belief-laden communication; dissipation of attitude gains after treatment; and whether integrated/nonintegrated communications affected energy attitudes of…

The current status of "homemade" achievement tests reported in "Journal of Research in Science Teaching" and "Science Education" (January 1975 to January 1980) is examined using Anderson's (EJ 062 750) eight categories of information that a high quality research report should include. Findings from 142 references analyzed are reported. (JN)

Reports efforts and results associated with the development and validation of a test of graphing skills for grade seven through twelve science students. Concludes that the Test of Graphing in Science (TOGS) is a valid and reliable instrument. Also discusses TOGS value to the teacher and educational researcher. (ML)

Discusses a study which explored the possible value of the history of science to understanding student misconceptions. Focused on photosynthesis and examined relationships between students' conceptual difficulties and the transformation of concepts through time. Student responses suggest that the history of science can be used to anticipate…

Reviews findings from a survey which focused on the teaching of global problems related to science and technology. Includes a ranking of 12 global problems and a listing of the survey's results. Presents six specific policy recommendations for programs and practices which support a Science-Technology-Society theme. (ML)

Discusses a study which examined the last factor of Piaget's model of intelligence-functioning. Sought to determine if empirical evidence could be formed to support the existence of assimilation, disequilibrium, accommodation, and organization in the learning of physics. Naturalistic data provided support for the Piagetian functioning model of…