A survey of 305 undergraduates tested a causal model for choice of computer science as a major. The model found causal differences for males and females. Attitudes toward mathematics played a more complex and stronger role for men, and experience played a stronger, more positive role for women. (Author/MSE)

Application of the Perceived Climate Questionnaire involving senior-level staff from Australian institutions used climate factors as the basis for testing hypothesized taxonomies of the institutions. Results reinforce the relevance of contemporary management theories and demonstrate the importance of leadership styles in organizational…

A study of the relationship of population and income in Asian countries and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members to their demand for American higher education found that both population and income significantly affect demand, but not proportionally. Findings suggest countries meet most change in citizens' demand with…

A study examined the relationship between average evaluations of a class and five variables (time format of the class, number of classes taught in the program by the instructor during the year, requirement of a term paper, class size, and class average grades) in an off-campus setting with nontraditional students. (Author/MSE)

Two investigations, each involving a survey of university alumni, found that questionnaire type font (conventional typewriter type and professional-appearing type) and construction (single pages, stapled, and booklet) did not have a significant effect on response rates. Other considerations that may influence questionnaire design decisions are…

A study found (1) all forms of financial aid promoted enrollment; (2) $100 of any aid influenced enrollment more than similar tuition reduction; (3) low-income students were more responsive to grant than loan or work-study increases; and (4) high-income students were not responsive to aid changes. (Author/MSE)

A study comparing personality traits, demographic variables, and sex-role orientation of Israeli women studying engineering as compared with women studying humanities and males studying engineering found female engineering students to be more feminist, have "realistic" or "investigative" personality types, and have college-educated parents. Male…

A study examined sources of satisfaction, indicators of stress, research and teaching performance, and reward structure in the academic careers of matched pairs of male and female faculty (N=63) at a major state university. Results are presented and discussed with respect to prior research on gender differences and academic career. (Author/MSE)

Describes the state networks of education service agencies (ESAs) in Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin. Compares state ESA accreditation programs with regard to intent, evaluation methods, standards employed, use of performance indicators, and sanctions for poor performance. Contains 12 references. (SV)

Uses survey responses of 473 teachers, principals, and staff development chairs in rural Oklahoma school districts to indicate the level of implementation of 38 research-based staff development practices that define the Readiness, Planning, Training, Implementation, and Maintenance stages of staff development. Lists the 38 practices and tabulates…

Examines 3 stabilizing principles of small town organization that are intertwined with the survival of local schools: (1) centripetalism (inwardly focused community involvement); (2) inclusiveness of local associations and activities; and (3) distinctive identity. Discusses the effects of state pro-consolidation policies on rural economic…

Presents arguments, based on Thomas Kuhn's work, that most research on rural and small schools proceeds from previous scientific achievements, and that researchers' (outsiders') preconceived and approximated reality forces the nature of rural and small schools into an inflexible box. Contains 40 references. (Author/SV)

Uses data from a national survey of educational administrators to identify deficiencies in administrator preparation that are particularly troublesome in rural schools. Reports differences in experience, salaries, and job satisfaction among rural, urban, and suburban administrators. Contains 18 references. (SV)

Scores on the Cognitive Laterality Battery for 57 boys, aged 9-11, indicated that both urban and rural-remote Alaska Native boys had significantly higher visuospatial abilities than verbal-sequential abilities, but the reverse was true for urban Alaskan White boys. Contains 34 references. (SV)

Survey responses of 55 of the 70 teaching principals in Nebraska described job characteristics and responsibilities, advantages and disadvantages of the position, necessary skills and training, and the origin and future of the position. Contains 13 references. (SV)