Effects of training students to identify the semantic base of prose materials

Feedback and feedback plus points toward a course grade were applied to the attentional behaviors (defined as the ability to identify the semantic base of text passages) of 30 undergraduate students participating in a reading comprehension development program. Correct underlining was increased, extraneous underlining was decreased, and postreading comprehension test scores improved as a result of the procedures. Scores on a standardized test of reading comprehension also increased significantly.     

Sex Differences in Mathematics Components of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

The Mathematics Problem Solving (MRS) and Mathematics Concepts (MC) subtests of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were investigated for content and psychometric item bias at grades 3, 6, and 8. A small proportion of items were identified in each subtest which significantly favored either males or females. No skill classification, item content or location trends could be found for the mathematics subtests at each grade level. Across the grade levels, items in the MC subtest favored males for grades 3 and 6, but females were favored at grade 8. The procedure used in the study is generalizable to other groups (minority or grade levels). Test consumers have the right to know whether the test they use is fair for selected groups of students. Results from empirical investigations should appear in the Test Manual that accompanies the test battery.     

Sex role orientation, level of cognitive development and mathematics performance in late adolescence

Sex differences in mathematics performance are found in late adolescence. This study investigates the effects of psychological sex role orientation (BSRI: masculine, feminine, undifferentiated, androgynous) and level of cognitive development (concrete, formal) on performance in mathematics. ANOVA analysis (N = 69; 18 males, 51 females) revealed significant effects for level of cognitive development and for masculine by feminine sex role orientation interaction. Subjects whose BSRI masculine and feminine scores were either both low or both high scored significantly lower on the mathematics test than subjects whose scores on either masculine or feminine scales were high. This indicates lower mathematics performance for androgynous and undifferentiated subjects. This result is hypothesized to be a function of the particular age level of these subjects and their concomitant overconcern with appropriate sex role development.     

A Study of Acculturation Differences Among International People and Suggestions for Sensitivity to Within-Group Differences

The acculturation of international people in a midwestern university was studied. Acculturation variables of perceived prejudice, observance of cultural practices and social ties, and language usage were measured. Africans, Asians, and South Americans were significantly less acculturated than were Europeans. Significant differences were also found for permanent versus nonpermanent United States residence status, length of residence in the United States, and religion. Themes derived from open-ended responses showed that participants related their identity to the values, religion, physical appearance, and language of their national origins. Emerging themes also suggested a reciprocity of acceptance and animosity in the dominant-minority intergroup relations.     

ACCESS DECISIONS BY PERSONNEL DIRECTORS: SUBTLE FORMS OF SEX BIAS IN HIRING

Midwestern personnel and management association members rated bogus job applications which had identical background qualifications but varied by sex of applicant, sex-role related attributes of applicant, and degree of fit of applicant credentials to job demands. The applicants were rated on their qualifications and likelihood of being considered for the position, expected performance, and expected success in the job. A significant triple interaction was found for the variable that measured the likelihood of the applicant being considered for the position (i.e., access to the position). Higher access ratings were given to the sex–stereotypical applicant when the applicant's credentials matched job demands. When the applicant's credentials did not fit the job demands, raters tended to favor non–stereotypical applicants. Practical and research implications are discussed.     

Assessing attitudes toward gay marriage among selected Christian groups using the lost-letter technique

100 each envelopes were distributed to Christian church parking lots and general public parking lots. Letters were addressed to either the "Gay Marriage Foundation" or to a neutral organization. Significantly more neutral letters (n = 75) were returned than "Gay Marriage Foundation" letters (n = 36) from both types of locations, but no differences were found for return rates. Gay marriage may be a controversial topic for people in this area of California. The limitations of the lost-letter technique prohibit fine distinctions; however, one may infer attitudes toward gay marriage may not be more negative among Christian church attendees than in the general public.