Play is traditionally considered the foundation of learning in the early years. Because play is characterized by free choice, it can be difficult for adults to ensure all learning is useful for children. The intervention described here took a novel approach to this problematic. It exposed 17 four-year-olds to different adult demonstrations to see…

Two experiments studied five- to eight-year-old children's capacity to resist temptation as a function of observing a deviant model. (CM)

Some determinants of affectionate behavior in young children were explored. Experiment 1 demonstrated that children who imitated a male model who was nurturant were nurturant. Experiment 2 demonstrated that mere participation without imitation of nurturance and imitation of neutral physical contact was not effective in inducing affectionate…

Two experiments examined conditions that affect the observer's spontaneous motoric and symbolic mediation, and the relationship between these mediators in an observational learning situation. Subjects were undergraduate students. (CM)

Assessed the differential effects of single v multiple adult models on second- and third-grade children's expression of preferences when the modeled preferences are either consistent or divergent. (CM)

Subjects were 138 inmates from the pre-release unit of a Southwestern prison system, randomly divided into three groups of 46 each. Each group viewed a video-taped model delivering a speech. The independent variable had three levels: (1) lecturer attired in a shirt and tie; (2) lecturer attired in a correctional officer's uniform; and (3) model…

Analyzed the differences between heroes, other characters, and themes from the Roy Rogers television show of the 1950s, and the Brave Starr show of the 1980s. Found the modern hero more prosocial, cooperative, fearful, and self-critical. The modern villain was more hostile, negative, and successful against the hero. Discusses implications for…

One prediction derived from observational learning theory is that children learn parental-role behaviors by observing parental models. Variables which strongly influence behavior acquisition and performance during observational learning are the behavioral consequences of an action, and the sex of the behavioral model. To evaluate the effects of…

Subjects were 61 males and females who observed one of four combinations of male and female model performance on an anagram task: (1) male success-female success, (2) male success-female failure, (3) male failure-female success, and (4) male failure-female failure. Subjects' expectations of their own future success and amount of ability relating…

Assessed the authenticity of conservation attainment through an observational learning paradigm. First grade children (N=60) were exposed to either a peer or adult model who was either present or absent during a series of tasks. No correlation was found between social influence and observational acquisition of conservation. (Author/JAC)

A study was done to determine and describe the level of preschoolers' and first-graders' awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Data strongly reflected the fact that parents and older siblings are very influential in the eventual choices of young children to smoke or not to smoke. (JN)

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between four independent variables and a fifth dependent variable - juvenile delinquency. The four independent variables were: (1) perception by youth of parental acceptance or rejection; (2) normative orientation of parents--conformist or deviant; (3) normative orientation of reference…

This paper presents a study designed to produce a change in the behavior and self-esteem of a 9-year-old boy who had been diagnosed as having learning disabilities and poor visual-motor ability. The boy was described by his teachers as having a very short attention span and as exhibiting disruptive behaviors, such as ignoring teacher requests,…

A model's influence on the creative behavior of 120 fifth-grade children was studied in four variations. Separate groups observed a model who was either high or low in the fluency or flexibility creativity dimensions. Multivariate procedures were used to assess treatment effects upon children's fluency and flexibility measures collected on…

Reports on study employing drawings of high-interest cartoon models to symbolize and teach skills contributing to the social and educational development of children in a child-care center. Results demonstrate such models are effective and feasible agents for positive behavioral change when used within the generalized imitation framework. (CMG)