A study randomly assigning college freshmen to three roommate combinations (two high-maturity, one high- and one low-maturity, and two low-maturity students) showed that the maturity of one's roommate increased that student's awareness and insight of his/her values and experiences and ability to express them symbolically. (MSE)

A study of medical students' assessments of science instructors and failure to respond to the request for assessment showed no significant bias from failure to obtain responses from all students, reinforcing the representativeness of the evaluations that are received. Studies to generalize these findings to other areas are suggested. (MSE)

Ratings of scholarly journals by department heads in seven disciplines (anthropology, economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science, sociology) are presented by journal title, and criteria and methods for assessing journal quality and visibility are examined. Possible use of such information in institutional personnel decisions is…

Cites evidence showing traditional values are highly resistant to change regarding females in nontraditional skill/trade areas. Suggests a model for sex equity in vocational education in rural education systems, incorporating all components of rural education systems to interact in development of programs free from sex-role stereotyping. (NEC)

This paper describes the results of a study assessing the impact on field independence-dependence of decoding as a component of reading instruction for 225 first graders. Such drill appears to affect the ability to disembed, a component of field independence-dependence, but not to affect the ability to identify vertically. (Author)

Examines educational expectations, aspirations, and anticipatory goal deflections of 73 high school sophomores and seniors with a variety of racial-ethnic backgrounds from 3 isolated rural Alaska schools. Reports significant differences between groups and schools; rural Alaskan Natives showed much lower expectations and aspirations than any other…

Describes differences in preferred modes of group interaction between 743 students from grades four to eight and from four relatively distinct social environments: rural Maine, suburban New Hampshire, urban Columbus, Ohio, and inner city Cincinnati, Ohio. Rural and inner city groups prefer similar modes as do urban and suburban groups. (Author/NEC)

Describes four external and internal barriers regarding computer literacy that are limiting rural women: institutionalized sexism, females' negative self-concepts concerning computer technology, lack of knowledge about the technology, and rural women's sex-stereotyped attitudes about computer-related careers. Outlines actions rural schools can…

Reports a longitudinal study comparing the differential influence of stress on the interpersonal relationships of 101 representative rural and urban families. Notes that high stress rates adversely affected rural, but not urban, intrafamilial interaction, and affected young families more than older ones. Notes implications for mental health and…

Describes the evolution of a phonics-basal elementary reading program in a rural New Mexico school district and the resulting improvement in reading. Notes the conditions in which changes initiated by the district and the Follow Through sponsor occurred. Explains monitoring and evaluation advances. (SB)

Reports a study in which parents of rural students with low CTBS scores were provided with free training to serve as classroom volunteers. Notes that most parents refused to serve as volunteers, did not complete training, and refused to believe their children needed remediation because of conflicting grade reports. (SB)

Based on a survey of 180 Northeastern Indian families, describes differences in American Indian and White life styles and values regarding property ownership, competition, consistency of household membership, friendship, and neighboring patterns. Notes that the cultural differences can affect the relationship between American Indians and educators…

Reports results of a 1977-78 survey of administrators in 122 Tennessee school districts to determine psychological services available, immediate and future manpower needs, positions available, and appropriate training. Notes that most districts both provided and need more services and that psychological service differed in rural and urban…

Reviews various sociological concepts of "rural" and the definitional problems related to occupational, sociocultural, ecological, and multidimensional conceptions of rurality. Describes and recommends multidimensional typologies developed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Services and the Maine State Planning…

Reports results of a study to determine status of education in Iowa seven years after the onset of collective bargaining. Compares opinions of boards of education, administrators, and teachers regarding job satisfaction, public opinion, working conditions, teacher/superintendent/board relations, board power, salaries, instruction, teacher input,…