Presents two studies of elementary school children which suggest that: (1) white children do not conform differentially to black and white models, (2) black and white children do not differ in amount of conformity, (3) blacks conform more to white than to black models, and (4) girls conform more than boys among lower- but not middle-class…

Adults (either mothers or strangers) presented unfamiliar foods to 1- to 4-year-olds individually in their homes. Childrens' acceptance of the food was examined when the adults were eating and when they were simply offering the food. It was concluded that social facilitation could account for the data obtained. (Author/GO)

Developmental levels of gender identity in preschool children were investigated. (JMB)

Effects of symbolic modeling processes on exploration were investigated. Written narration reporting a novel experience was the symbolic model. Subjects read the material 1 or 3 times (Familiarity), with 1, 8, or 15 inserted exploration statements (Frequency), where such statements were specific or diversive (Exploration Type). With increased…

The purpose of this study was to determine the differential effects of imitating versus not imitating children on their subsequent tendency to imitate a model. Subjects were 54 kindergarten children. (MS)

Boys and girls were exposed to a same- or opposite-sex televised peer model who played with a sex-inappropriate toy for the children. The model was then administered positive or negative reinforcement or no consequences by a female adult figure. Girls played with the sex-inappropriate toy more than boys following exposure, particularly when the…

This study represents part of an extended research program designed to explore the various parameters of imaginative play in children and their relationship to the later development of daydreaming and various cognitive skills or personality characteristics. The specific focus of this investigation was on role of adult intervention represented…

This study examined the effects of differentially characterizing a model as "good", "bad", or "neutral" on preschool children's subsequent evaluation and imitation of the model. The model's aggressive and motor behaviors were more frequently imitated than were his non-aggressive and verbal behaviors. Instructions influenced the Ss' evaluation of…

A total of 122 children participated in 2 experiments that examined the utility of symbolic modeling stimuli in modifying sex role stereotypes. Brief presentations of illustrated stories involving egalitarian sex role models reduced stereotypic thinking. (SB)

Attempted to clarify the relationship between dependency and imitation using 73 preschool children as subjects. The children's degree of emotional dependency was found to be related to their propensity to imitate the model's irrelevant behavior (i.e. incidential learning). (Author/SDH)

Describes 2 experiments in which children ages 5-6 and 9-10 years viewed slides of male and female models performing matched acts which were sex-appropriate, sex-inappropriate, or sex-neutral. Visual attention was assessed by the method of feedback electroencephalography. Recall and preference for the slides were also measured. (Author/JMB)

Results of this study demonstrate that constraint-seeking conceptual strategies can be trained in children as young as 6 years of age. (Authors/CB)

This study tests the hypothesis that children who viewed videotaped aggression would imitate aggressive behaviors more frequently than would children who were not exposed to aggressive displays. A cognitive factor, reinforcement value, was also hypothesized to be a significant variable in the behavior of the children. Prior to treatment, subjects…