Edsel L. Erickson

Heroes and Villains: A Conceptual Strategy for Assessing Their Influence

Abstract This paper explicates the relationship between reference group theory and a neglected cognate concept –- the reference idol. Reference idols, popularly thought of as cultural heroes and villains, represent a unique category of reference objects that can have considerable influence on an individuals attitudes, identities, and action patterns. A number of major assumptions considered basic to an understanding of reference other processes are reassessed in relation to public heroes and villains. This paper suggests a scaled typology for conceptualizing the levels of influence that reference idols may have, ranging from simple admiration or disdain to actions of personal sacrifice in behalf of the hero or in opposition to the villain.

Organizational Structure and Student Alienation.

This study examines the relationship between two types of student alienation and the organization of middle schools with teaching teams and traditional junior high schools. The findings do not support notions that teacher teams under middle school organization enhance student identification with their school or reduce feelings of powerlessness any more than do typical junior high school programs.

Predicting the Academic Achievement of the Acoustically-Impaired Using Intelligence and Self-Concept of Academic Ability

1 Revision of a paper presented at the National Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children, St. Louis, April 1967. The data reported are part of Cooperative Research Project 6-8720, Scales and Procedures for Assessing SocialPsychological Characteristics of Visually Impaired and Hearing Impaired Students, from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, U.S. Office of Education. The consultation and research assistance of Wilbur B. Brookover, Michigan State University, William McClure, Florida School for the Deaf, Alfred Lamb, Indiana School for the Deaf, and Thomas Poulos, Michigan School for the Deaf, are gratefully acknowledged. What is the relative usefulness of