Videotapes of two 17-month old children -- each child sometimes described as a boy and sometimes as a girl -- were shown to 85 adult middle-class subjects, who rated attributes of the children on questionnaires containing sex role items. (Authors/RY)

Analyzes the logical basis of testing developmental order hypotheses with categorical measures. Argues that depending on whether saltatory or continuous developmental changes are being assessed, the observed relationship between categorical measures yields different types of information about developmental ordering. Maintains that when change is…

Suggests that testing developmental ordering hypotheses is difficult because rare use of ratio scales prevents direct comparison of measures. Demonstrates that the observed data pattern is constrained by the underlying relationship--although observed data pattern may not reflect the exact relationship, it limits possible relationships. Shows the…