Hasset et. al. (2008) (Monkey Toy Preferences) Flashcards
What is the primary aim of the research?
To test if sex differences in children’s toy preferences are due to biological factors rather than socialization.
What animal model is used to investigate toy preferences in this study?
Rhesus monkeys.
What does animal play refer to?
An activity/action voluntarily and repeatedly done by animals as a form of enjoyment and self-expression.
What is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)?
An inherited condition where the foetus is exposed to high levels of prenatal androgens. Causes increased testosterone levels.
What did Hassett et al. conclude about toy preferences?
They believe that toy preferences are initially shaped by hormones and not socialisation.
What was the independent variable in the research design?
The sex of the monkey (male or female).
What was the sample size after exclusions in the study?
82 monkeys (61 females and 21 males).
What types of toys were used in the trials?
Wheeled toys and plush toys.
How was data collected during the study?
Using video cameras and a behavioural checklist.
What is one strength of the research methodology?
Ethical guidelines on treating lab animals were followed.
What was a noted weakness in the study’s methodology?
Observer bias may have affected the coding of monkey behaviour.
True or False: Male monkeys interacted more with plush toys than females.
False.
What is one application of the research findings in everyday life?
They can guide parents in choosing toys that align with children’s preferences.
What was the rationale that the researchers had for conducting an animal study instead of a human one?
Researchers wanted to investigate toy preferences in the absence of socialization, so animals were used. They have no socialization regarding these toys.
Did the researchers believe hormones played a greater role in toy preferences, at least initially? Explain why.
Prior research had shown that girls with CAH preferred playing with male-type toys, which suggested to Hasset et. al. that initial preferences may be due to hormones and not socialization.
What type of experiment was this?
Field experiment
What research design did it follow?
Independent measures design
Why were some monkeys excluded from the study?
Some had taken part in previous research, and others were too young to distinguish their sex properly.
How many trials were completed in the outdoor enclosure?
Seven 25-minute trials
What types of toys were used in the trials?
1 wheeled toy and 1 plush toy
What was the purpose of counterbalancing the positions of the toys?
To ensure the monkeys didn’t prefer a certain area of the enclosure
Why were some monkeys excluded from the study when results were being collated?
Monkeys who showed fewer than 5 behaviors (17 in total) were excluded.
How did male monkeys interact with wheeled toys?
Males played with wheeled toys for a longer time than females, but with high variability.
How did female monkeys interact with plush toys?
Females played with plush toys longer than males, but there was no significant difference in time spent on either type of toy.
