Michael F. Shaughnessy

PERSONOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON CREATIVITY IN THE PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS

Abstract The artist, the musican, the writer, the sculptor are all people who possess specific traits and personality attributes which the vast majority do not. Certain character traits are associated with talented artists which other people do not see in themselves. Society possesses an image of the characteristics or traits which set the creative apart from the “normal” population. In the past these generalizations may have been true: Many creative individuals may have been sensitive, temperamental, or irritable. However, the question arises whether these stereotypes are still true in todays industrial and service society.

Reflecting on a Conversation with Joe Renzulli: About Giftedness and Gifted Education

The following article compiled by the writers records the main points of a reflective conversation with Professor Joe Renzulli. The compilers explore the key ideas which have fired and motivated Joe Renzullis focussed and long term exploration with regard to the needs of pupils, teachers, parents and administrators in the field of ‘Gifted Education’.

gifted children's, teachers', and parents' perceptions of influential factors on gifted development

Over the past twenty years, much research has been conducted and emphasis placed on gifted children, their education and development. This article examines differing perceptions of influential factors on gifted childrens development. In one study, parents, teachers and gifted children were surveyed regarding their perception of the factors that have contributed to “giftedness.” In a second study, attitudes, as well as behavioral concerns, are addressed. A third study surveys a cross-cultural sample of British educational professionals. The results of these studies are explored and implications for instruction and assessment are offered.

PERSONALITY AND SCIENTIFIC PROMISE

This study examined personality characteristics of 21 boys and 11 girls, children gifted in science and attending a junior high school. Differences between these boys and girls in Grade 6 were noted. Implications for teaching and directions for future research are noted.

Humor in Counseling and Psychotherapy: A 20-Year Retrospective

This article briefly annotates the development of research and theorizing on the use of humor in psychotherapy. Beginning in 1970 and continuing through 1990, the main literature was cursorily scanned. A total of 67 sources are offered for bibliographic use. Sadly, tangential forms of humor such as fun, mirth, frivolity, songs, jokes, puns, witticisms, and other forms of humor are not as readily addressed or investigated.

SCORES ON THE 16 PERSONALITY FACTOR QUESTIONNAIRE AND SUCCESS IN COLLEGE CALCULUS

This study explored the association of scores for 94 pharmacy majors on the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire and success in college calculus courses as defined by final grade. In a simple regression two factors (G and A) were significant predictors of success in this exploratory study. Relevance to teaching and research is noted.

Institutional child abuse

Abstract Although various forms of child abuse have been extensively investigated, other forms of psychological and institutional abuse continue to exist. This paper will focus on a variety of experiences occurring in institutions and residential centers that, in effect, cause a variety of detrimental effects and harm to those in those agencies who are supposedly “in treatment.” The various forms of institutional abuse will be examined and ramifications and repercussions explored.

Reflective Conversation with Dorothy Sisk

Dr Sisk served as Director of the U.S. Office of Gifted and Talented, playing an instrumental role in increasing the cadre of professionally trained consultants for the gifted, thereby expanding opportunities for gifted students. She served as President, VicePresident and Executive Administrator of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC), and President of The Association for Gifted ( TAG ) and the American Creativity Association (ACA). She has also served as editor of the Gifted International journal. Dr Sisk is the author of Creative Teaching of Gifted Students.

An Interview with Frank Pajares

Frank Pajares is presently Winship Distinguished Research Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has recently edited (with Tim Urdan) Academic Motivation of Adolescents and General Issues in the Edu cation of Adolescents. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Educational Psychology. Pajares has written and presented numerous papers on self efficacy and he is recognized as one of the leading scholars in this realm.

Mentoring Gifted Children and Prodigies: Personological Concerns

Monitoring has begun to be seen as a most viable option for the growth of gifted, talented children. This paper addresses personality issues and personological variables salient to the process of mentoring gifted children.