Investigates (1) whether differences between boys and girls indicated by teacher rating were similar to those indicated by direct observation and (2) whether teachers' assessments of the relative frequencies with which children show particular types of behavior agree with those obtained by direct observation. (RH)

Social participation behavior of 33 2- and 3-year-old children was observed during free-play in order to identify differences between age groups as well as differences between contemporary outcomes and Parten's 1932 findings. Trained observers recorded the frequencies of play behaviors, utilizing a time sampling procedure and Parten's categories…

To establish baseline data on South African children's behavior, observed 80 children at home and interviewed the children's primary caregiver. Gathered data on patterns of interaction and language use, content of activity, and use of objects. Presents general biographical and behavioral data, notes gender differences, and compares this data to…

Differences in age and developmental levels may result in changes in the ways males and females value themselves, and in the level of perceptual functioning from observers. Subjects (N=725) were divided into three groups. Self-raters (N=519) ranged from 6 to 18 years of age. Peer-raters (N=129) were their contemporaries (within one year). There…

Compares the frequency of peer and adult interactions, mean duration of social interactions, and amount of misbehavior in children attending Montessori, university laboratory and parent cooperative preschools. (DP)

This paper presents: (1) an extension of comparison theory to behavior in the elementary classroom; (2) a description of interaction methodology used to determine the occurrence of comparison behavior; and (3) summaries of three studies which test various theoretical implications about the nature of comparison behavior in the classroom. (CK)

Discusses the realtionship between toddler behavior and quality child care, and compares the care given to 18-month-old children in home care and center care situations. (CM)

The study examines and compares free/spontaneous play behaviors of 20 Hispanic (from Ponce, Puerto Rico) and 20 Anglo (from State College, Pennsylvania) 5-year-old children from middle class socioeconomic strata. Within each of the groups there were 10 boys and 10 girls. Each child was observed in a group play setting in four observational…

This study examined the contingency behaviors, attitudinal dispositions, and personality traits of male caregivers in day care settings. A random sample of 20 male caregivers was contrasted with 20 female caregivers and 20 male engineers on measures of sex-typed attitudes and personality traits. Male and female caregivers were also contrasted on…

A research study was conducted to: (1) compare mother and father interactions with their newborn infant; (2) examine the effects of maternal drugs on mother-father infant interaction; (3) explore the impact of variations in length of labor on parent interaction; and (4) examine sex of parent and sex of newborn interactions to determine the nature…

This study compared impact of traditional and experiential approaches to early childhood education on gender related patterns in activity choices. Findings confirmed gender related activity patterns previously reported. Compared to traditional settings, boys in experiential settings engaged more in doll play and expressed feelings of distress…

Observations indicated that, in contrast to children attending preschool half-days, preschool children attending full-days spent significantly more time on tasks directed and guided by teachers, interacted more positively with peers, and engaged in more physical activity. Teachers rated full-time students, especially boys, as more aggressive and…

The leavetakings and reunions of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents were observed as 56 children were dropped off and picked up at nursery school. During the pilot phase of the study, shorthand running records were made of the behaviors of each child and his or her parent for all of their leavetaking and reunion episodes. From 100…

The second phase of the study of social skills development in the Appalachia Preschool Education Program is presented. A standardized situation in which children would have an opportunity to demonstrate those skills was devised. Three treatment groups were included in the program. Sex of the child was used as a factor. One purpose of this study…