PAGE 2 Knouse Hopes To Improve Letters by Kurt Freeman Collegian Staff Writer Dr. Stephen Knouse, assistant professor of management and psychology, has been invited to write an article for the Australian based International Journal of Management. Knouse received a letter from the editor of the journal in dicating interest in the professor’s research on letters of recommen dation. “He read an article I had published in Personal Psychology and decided he would like me to write about this subject for his magazine,” Knouse noted. “My research is an attempt to improve the letters of recommen dation that people write for students to send to prospective employers,” Knouse explained. “The letters should have a more realistic approach and include some less-than-favorable com ments. These statements add credibility to the letter,” he said. “The research is based on At tribution Theory,” Knouse com mented. “This means that people observe the behavior of others and then infer additional ATV FEVER... Catch it! DIRT TRACK, HILLS, GREAT FUN! Children under age 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian North East, Pa. NEWS characteristics about them,” he explained. In addition to his research on Attribution Theory, Knouse is studying “brand loyalty” and consumer behavior. Knouse teaches courses in personnel and organizational behavior, as well as Quantitative Business Analysis classes. Knouse earned his, B.A. and M.A. in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and his Ph.D in industrial psychology from Ohio State University. Research Institute Studying Erie Economy by Michael Ross Collegian News Editor Faculty members Dr. Barry Weller and Dr. James Kurre have been conducting research' as members of the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE) and their results have been published in the form of technical papers and executive summaries. The purpose of the institute, as stated in the ERIE technical series is “to collect, analyze, interpret and disseminate data and infor ATV FUN CORP. THE BEHREND COLLEGIAN Kappa Delta Rho Receives Colony Status by Jill Bedford Collegian Staff Writer Kappa Delta Rho (KDR), Behrend’s service fraternity, has been accepted for membership by the national fraternity. The 30-member colony must, accor ding to national regulations, in crease their membership to 35 within two years. Nationals require the fraternity to perform at least one act of ser vice toward their community or a charity. KDR, in cooperation with the Erie Runners Club, has already made plans to hold a 10K run early in the fall semester. AH mation on the regional economy.” In addition to Weller and Kurre, the staff includes several other faculty members and two student research assistants. Dana Bucci (sixth semester, Business Economics) says that her ex perience as a research assistant, has “exposed me to many local businesses and has provided me with several contacts and future career possibilities.” She con tinued: “My experience with the 10247 West Main Road Across from Gravel Pit Park Open Daily ’til Dusk proceeds will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. KDR consists of more than 50 chapters nationwide, including University Park (where Behrend members who transfer will be ac cepted as members) and Gannon. Both chapters have supported Behrend’s efforts to join KDR. KDR members will be inducted in a formal ceremony later this semester, making them lifetime members. Previous KDR alumni include the owner of K 2 skiis, president of SAAB America, several congressmen, senators and executives.- institute will help me get accepted to any graduate program if I choose to pursue it.” An advisory board consisting of executives from, local companies such' as Zurn industries, Meadowbrook Dairy and General make use of the information found in the research. The institute has written four papers on the local economy and Kurre is currently working on a fifth paper which deals with wages in the Erie region. Ride with the fun 3 &4 Wheel ATV’s 725-8448 APRIL 18, 198 i Any full-time maie.student with at least a 2.0 grade point average is eligible for membership. All those interested in joining may at tend meetings held Mondays at 5:15 p.m. in the library con ference room. “The national organization has been very supportive since day one,” said KDR President Tim Carley. “The elected officers and members have participated whole heartedly to KDR’s continued success, ” he continued, “although I was always confident it (KDR) would be formed, in was not an easy job.” Weller and Kurre will be presenting a variation of their fourth paper entitled The Effect of the Individual Industry Cycles on Erie Regional Employment Stability to a board of profes sional economists in Louisville on May 3 and 4. Weller notes, “These presentations are impor tant because they allow us to pre- Electric was created to review and sent our research and receive im mediate feedback. It also helps to enhance the national reputation of Behrend College faculty.” continued on page 11