Abstract
Patterns of agonistic behavior in preschool children were examined in order to compare samesex and opposite-sex interactions. Observational reports were supplemented with videotape analysis to provide details concerning three separate measures of agonistic behavior: threats, attacks, and displacements. Significant differences were found in attacks, displacements, and in combined scores for the three measures. Two different explanations are offered: One explanation concerns the socialization of “sex-appropriate” behavior, and the other focuses on the development of dominance relationships in young children.
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I extend a special note of thanks to Edward Simmel for his continued support. I am also grateful to Jenny Bachman and Kathy Hulgin for their assistance in the collection of the data, and to Karl Wuensch for his helpful suggestions concerning the statistical analysis. The assistance of William Knapp and the Saint Peter’s College Instructional Resources Center also is appreciated.
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Addison, W.E. Agonistic behavior in preschool children: A comparison of same-sex versus opposite-sex interactions. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 24, 44–46 (1986). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03330499
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03330499