In this study of early peer interaction, 32 first born infants (16 boys, 16 girls) were videotaped in pairs at 6, 9 and 12 months. Each 15 minute session consisted of Toys Present (TP) and Toys Absent(TA) conditions counterbalanced across dyads. Three questions were addressed: (1) Are infants as young as 6 months capable of interacting with a…

Discusses the significance of sociobiology in seeking biological explanations for animal and human social behavior through fresh application of Darwin's theories of evolution and natural selection. A glossary of sociobiology terms is included. For journal availability, see SO 505 653. (Author/DB)

The current study was undertaken to review common streetlore of the drug-using counterculture of the 1970's, through applying sound pharmacologic and sociologic principle, to clarify and sort out misapprehension and contradiction from reality. Presented at the First International Symposium on the Pharmacology of Sexual Behaviour, Sardinia, June…

Marriage is the traditionally approved means of organizing one's sex life. However, many persons maintain an agreeable sex life in other ways. This paper will examine marriage and its contemporary alternatives on the basis of data derived from a youthful, drug-using population. (Author)

Investigated the relationship between anomie theory, as measured by Srole's Anomie Scale, and self-admitted drug use in an adult population (N=1,449). Bivariate cross-comparison correlations indicated anomie was significantly correlated with several drug variables, but these associations were extremely weak and of little explanatory value.…

Basketball experts (N=28) responded to "rule- and norm-related behavior" questionnaire, assessing crisis relevance of behaviors which were against rules of situation and were either fair or unfair, called or not called by officials. Results revealed that officials' calls and fairness of violations substantially influenced diagnostic…

Findings of two field studies of lower and middle class black and white school children contradict the contention that cross subcultural groups display proxemic behavior. (Author/KM)

This study tests the hypothesis that persons will express relatively independent degrees of preference for ambiguity in different experiential domains. An original measure consisting of four subscales was developed to assess individual differences in the theoretical, social, economic and aesthetic domains, and was administered to a student sample.…

This study investigated sex role behaviors, perceptions, and aspiration levels in 3- 4-, and 5-year-old children. Focus was on social interaction in situations free of adult attention. Six parties were conducted and videotaped in the familiar setting of the preschool classroom. Seventy-seven preschoolers attended these parties which were composed…

The selection of play materials has long been of concern to parents and educators. Many play materials simply do not engage children. In this study toys were openly displayed for free selection and play within a children's recreation center. Data were collected on the subject population, toy selection and toy usage. The results indicated that…

Sociobiology, although in its formative stage, is the most promising paradigm for bridging the gap between biology and the social sciences. (Author/AM)

Notes that the primary arbiters of acceptable behavior in informal social conversation are authors of works on etiquette, and that their rules and taboos reflect and shape conversation in the social era in which they appear. Describes behavior books for adults and children in the first half of the eighteenth century in the United States. (SKC)

The study of origin and evolution of man gives new perspective for understanding his behavior. Physical behaviors such as walking and throwing are results of biological evolution which has not kept pace with sociocultural evolution. Irrational decisions by man in social, cultural, and political fields are results of this brain activity. (PS)

Direct observations of animal behaviors can provide clues to understanding human behavior. By such observations of animals close to man, certain behavior patterns have been established. Man's behavior in social and cultural fields is an adaptation of these behavior patterns. (PS)

Describes some common patterns of animal spatial behavior, and discusses spatial relationships that can be observed as an important component of human social behavior. Reports the results of a study relating to the interpersonal distances of people in bus queues in Britain. (JR)