Carol Harding

Development of the Intention to Communicate.

The development of the intention to communicate is examined. The process through which prelanguage infants learn to use communication as a goal is related to the coordination of three dimensions of ca

Imaginary Audience Behavior and its Relationship to Operational thought and Social Experience

Little research has been done to test hypotheses generated from Elkinds theory of adolescent egocentrism and its related construct, the imaginary audience. This study used Elkind and Bowens Imaginary Audience Scale and investigated the relationship of cognitive developmental level and social experience to heightened sensitivity to the existence of an imaginary audience. It was predicted that social experience, as indicated by grade level and transition from elementary to high school, would relate to heightened sensitivity at least as consistently as cognitive level and that formal operational thought would not occur as prerequisite to this aspect of adolescent egocentrism, depending on social experience. Six hundred and seventy-five students in grades 6, 8, 9, and 12 were studied. Results indicated that higher sensitivity to an imaginary audience occurred at grades 8 and 9 regardless of cognitive level. In fact formal operational thinkers were observed only at grade 12 (n = 8), indicating that formal operational thought is not necessary in accounting for the onset of adolescent egocentrism, at least as represented by an imaginary audience.

First partnerships: The co‐construction of intentional communication

Extensive research has examined the process of early communication development. This review addresses unanswered questions related to the co‐construction of intentional communication and discusses them in light of their implications for the ways in which we care for our children. The questions addressed are: #op1#cp What is the nature of the first communication partnership? #op2#cp What patterns have been observed during the development of intentional communication and how are they affected by communication partnerships? #op3#cp What individual dyadic or partnership differences emerge that may have implications for how the child chooses to communicate in certain ways and not in others? and #op4#cp What are the implications of theory and research on early communication patterns for the education of caregivers and parents?

A Developmental Model for the Invention of Dilemmas

Given the array of potential behaviors, all actions in life require choices. The essay examines those choices that come to be identified as posing dilemmas. Characteristics of dilemmas are presented p

Urban Children's Video Production and Performance-Based Programming

SUMMARY This exploratory study investigated the impact of creative summer programming for urban children. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed during a six-week summer program that offered video production and performance-based activities. An important feature of this study was the inclusion of childrens own self-reports. Findings revealed an increase in childrens learning through participation in performance-based experiences and the later viewing (via videotape) of those experiences. Both video footage and participant observation notes also indicated that through the collaborative nature of producing video performances, friendships within and across cultures were enhanced. A conceptual model for developing effective performance arts programming for children is presented, reflecting the importance of curriculum, training, and goal- oriented activities in facilitating optimal program outcomes.