Showing papers on "Futures studies published in 1976"

Toward a Relative Psychology of Mental Retardation, with Special Emphasis on Evolution

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relative psychology of mental retardation, emphasizing the evolution process. Viewed from the perspective of natural selection, human brain processes must have evolved because they possessed certain biological advantages. It is generally agreed that human species survived not because of any outstanding physical capacity, but primarily because of its great brain, capable of complex learning, foresight, strategic, and adaptable behavior and, finally, capable of the development of tools and language. With rare exceptions, mental retardation is viewed not as a disorder of thinking but as a disorder of learning. However, recent research indicates that the mentally retarded are slow learners largely to the extent that thinking contributes to learning, and the evidence is increasing that in many learning tasks, particularly laboratory learning tasks, strategic behavior is critical. The evidence for reduced negentropic processing in the mentally retarded is more direct. This chapter discusses mental retardation as thinking disability. Framework for a relative psychology of mental retardation is also discussed in the chapter. A discussion on evolutionary psychology is also described in this chapter.

Futures Research in Education

Abstract: Since the Second World War, new emphases in policy research and long-range planning have emerged, resulting in the growth of a new research discipline called “Futures Research”. This article outlines the growth of futures research and the role accorded to it in Europe, North America and elsewhere, particularly with reference to work being carried out in the United States. It examines some of the futures research techniques used, and contrasts the important place in educational planning which futures research is beginning to occupy in Europe and North America with the position which it occupies in Australia. The article also calls for the establishment in Australia of Educational Policy Research Centres to undertake long-range educational planning studies.