In the study of status differentiation, two dimensions of status characteristics have received special attention: the specificity-diffuseness dimension and the relevant-irrelevant dimension. A laboratory experiment manipulates a specific status characteristic, ability for "creative writing." Relevancy of the diffuse status characteristic, sex, is…

This study attempted to answer the question: Is a sibling relationship associated with concept learning of a younger child taught by an older child? Each of the 120 First Grade children in the study had an older sibling in Third Grade; equal samples of 30 sibling pairs were drawn from the population of boys with older sisters, boys with older…

Observed 3-year-old boys and their parents in dyadic play situations to determine how the difference in the ages and roles of parent and child influence the quality of their interaction. Also examines how the sex of the parents influences the nature of their interaction with their young children. (Author/JMB)

A major problem in the study of marital interaction has been the lack of attention to contextual determinants of differences within couples' behavioral exchanges. To compare spouses' control behaviors in overt and ongoing communication as a function of both conflict and intimacy situational contexts, and to analyze the influence of spouse's role,…

The assignment of special roles or specific skills within family units has been of considerable interest to researchers and clinicians. The present study attempted to understand how a variety of social, technical and artistic skills were attributed within families, and how this constellation related to reports of "quality of life" issues. It was…

Results are interpreted in terms of role theory and sibling rivalry, and have application for school practice. (Author)