The ‘non-present’ client,the flecting team and even more dialogues: towards third-order cybernetics

We propose a new model of therapy which involves working with ‘nonpresent’ clients, argue that this is the only theoretically consistent way of avoiding pathologization, discrimination and abuses of power, and suggest new concepts and practices to aid in the development of this way of working. Since postmodernism has the effect of enabling multiple and contradictory interpretations of texts, readers may find themselves invited to adopt a range of positions from serious reflection to laughter.     

Increased choice of female phonetic attributes in first names

The phonetic gender score is a new quantitative scale that was applied to the spoken sounds of first names. Popular names of females have predominantly positive scores, and popular names of males have predominantly negative scores. Mean phonetic gender scores were higher in 1990 than in 1960 for the 25 most frequent names given to females and males born in Pennsylvania. Choices of names were more diverse for females than males in both years and in 1990 than 1960 for both genders. The increased choice in 1990 of attributes associated with females may indicate greater acceptance of female characteristics in 1990 than in 1960. In 1990 the most numerous racial minority, African Americans, constituted 15% of the births but only 5% of the females and 7% of the males given the 25 most frequent names.     

Rousseau's Political Defense of the Sex-roled Family

We argue that Rousseau's defense of the sex-roled family is not based on biological determinism or simple misogyny. Rather, his advocacy of sexual differentiation is based on his understanding of its ability to bring individuals outside of themselves into interdependent communities, and thus to counter natural independence, self'absorption and asociality, as well as social competitiveness and egoism. This political defense of the sex-roled family needs more critique by feminists.     

Accountancy, teaching methods, sex, and American College Test scores

This study examines the significance of sex, methodology, academic preparation, and age as related to development of judgmental and problem-solving skills. Sex, American College Test (ACT) Mathematics scores, Composite ACT scores, grades in course work, grade point average (GPA), and age were used in studying the effects of teaching method on 96 students' ability to analyze data in financial statements. Results reflect positively on accounting students compared to the general college population and the women students in particular.     

Retention and generalization of spelling words acquired using a peer-mediated instructional procedure by children with mild handicapping conditions

A peer-mediated instructional procedure termed Classwide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) has been shown to increase the rates and accuracy of student responses to academic tasks and to improve student performance on weekly spelling tests. In addition to replicating previous research, the present investigation evaluated the retention and generalization of words learned using CWPT. Students classified as mildly handicapped participated in daily practice of 10 spelling words using CWPT for 10 weeks. Short- and long-term retention of words practiced was assessed. Results indicated that the students average post-test score was over 84% correct on weekly tests, replicating previous results. When included in a dictation task the following week, 76.2% of previously tutored words were correctly spelled. Short- and longer-term retention measured on posttests was 72% and 69% correct, respectively. Modest improvements in students sight recognition of words practiced during CWPT were obtained. Student failure to learn particular words was attributable to fewer opportunities to practice these words. Further, students reported positive evaluation of CWPT and perceived positive social and self esteem outcomes.     

Remembered work importance,satisfaction, reminiscence and adjustment in retirement: A case study

Previous research on the relationship between adjustment to retirement and variables related to pre-retirement occupation has been inconclusive with reviewers calling for investigations which take individual dafferences into account, This case study examined the relationship between remembered importance of and satisfaction with occupation, reminiscence about working life and adjustment to retirement in the life of Mr Howard, a 70 year old ex-manager, Quantitative and qualitative analyses attentive to the importance of individual characteristics produced findings consistent with previous research suggesting that intrinsic occupational factors are important earlier on in working life but are replaced by extrinsic factors later in life. Mr Howard reported however, that this change was a reaction to external changes (organizational change due to nationalization) rather than a purely psychological process. He was fairly satisfied with life in general and retirement in particular and reminisced about working life sometimes on his own or with ex-workmates. These findings and the implications of single-case methodology are discussed.     

Interpersonal issues in counselling a resistant child: A case-study

A therapeutic relationship was established with a resistant child whose experiential background together with the ongoing uncertainty of her life situation created interpersonal issues which threatened the continuance of counselling. The case-study focuses on the aims of counselling and how these were handled within the oscillating relationship that was developed between counsellor and child.