21 - Social Competence and Dominance

Question 1

Social competence

Answer 1

An individual’s adequacy, effectiveness, proficiency, success in interacting with peers/friends

Question 2

How to measure social competence

Answer 2

Traditionally measured via peer acceptance. But not all prosocial children are popular. Some aggressive, bullying, manipulative behaviors associated with higher popularity

Question 3

Sociometric vs perceived popularity

Answer 3

Sociometric - how much kid is liked, related to levels of prosocial behavior. Interpersonal perceptual accuracy
Perceived popularity - perceived influence in peer group. Prosocial and antisocial behavior - bistrategic. Interpersonally effective.
Two measures closely related at start but diverge, esp for girls

Question 4

Interpersonal perceptual accuracy

Answer 4

Prosocial. Perceptive to others’ goals, intentions. Emotional understanding and recognition. Empathy. Do not assert themselves on others

Question 5

Play and sociometric popularity

Answer 5

Complexity of play behavior (social pretend and cooperative) predicts peer acceptance later in childhood

Question 6

Peer group entry

Answer 6

Kids who are lower on peer acceptance seem disruptive when trying to enter a group. Seem self-centered as opposed to interested in goals of group

Question 7

Conflict resolution skills

Answer 7

Peer acceptance is inversely related to the frequency of conflicts. Behavioral and verbal strategies

Question 8

2 Types Peer rejection

Answer 8

Aggressive-rejected - overestimate acceptance and are more aggressive. Withdrawn-rejected - underestimate acceptance and become withdrawn.

Question 9

Interpersonal effectiveness

Answer 9

Not always interpersonally sensitive. Leaders. Goal-oriented - domineering, aggressive, manipulative, coercive. Perceived popularity

Question 10

Value of social status over development

Answer 10

Rule adherence becomes increasingly important, as does romance.

Question 11

Limitations to studying social competence

Answer 11

Social competence does not just mean competence in interacting with peers. The ability to develop close friendships may be as valuable. Popularity helpful in childhood, but unknown whether facilitates social development beyond.

Question 12

Bullies

Answer 12

Interpersonally perceptually accurate children unlikely to be bullies. Interpersonally effective children likely to be bullies.

Question 13

Dominance hierarchies

Answer 13

Ordering of social relationships according to influence. Observed as young as 18mo. Dominant children are more socially competent. Dominant individuals tend to be able to use multifaceted strategies. Post-conflict resolution strategies.

Question 14

Function of dominance hierarchy

Answer 14

Reduces overall aggression in group. Dominants may still use strategic aggression or threats however,

Question 15

Consequence of dominance hierarchy

Answer 15

Dominant children direct behavior of other children, coercive, control resources such as space, objects, relationships. Social dominance linked to ToM