Hassett

Question 1

What was the aim of Hassett et al.’s study?

Answer 1

To investigate whether toy preferences in rhesus monkeys resemble those of children, testing if sex differences in toy choices are biologically determined.

Question 2

What type of experiment did Hassett et al. conduct?

Answer 2

A field experiment in the monkeys’ natural environment using an independent measures design.

Question 3

What was the independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV) in the study?

Answer 3

IV: Gender of the monkeys.

DV: Activities with the toys (frequency and duration).

Question 4

What prior evidence supports a biological basis for toy preferences in children?

Answer 4

Girls exposed to increased androgens during development often prefer ‘boys’ toys, even when socialised to play with ‘girls’ toys.

Question 5

Why are primates used to study gender differences in toy preferences?

Answer 5

Primates share biological and behavioural similarities with humans, allowing controlled studies without socialisation effects.

Question 6

How were the toys categorized in the study?

Answer 6

Wheeled toys: Masculine toys (e.g., trucks, cars).

Plush toys: Feminine toys (e.g., teddy bears, Scooby-Doo).

Question 7

How was counterbalancing implemented?

Answer 7

The plush and wheeled toys were alternated between left and right positions during trials.

Question 8

What were the criteria for data analysis in the study?

Answer 8

Monkeys with fewer than 5 recorded interactions were excluded, leaving 11 males and 23 females for analysis.

Question 9

What toy preferences were observed in male monkeys?

Answer 9

Males showed a strong preference for wheeled toys in terms of both frequency and duration of interactions.

Question 10

Did female monkeys show a preference for plush toys?

Answer 10

Females interacted more with plush toys than males, but they did not show a strong preference between toy types.

Question 11

How did the preferences of monkeys compare with human children?

Answer 11

Both male monkeys and boys preferred masculine toys, while females (both monkeys and girls) were more variable in preferences.

Question 12

Did social rank correlate with toy interactions?

Answer 12

In females, higher social rank was positively correlated with toy interactions, but no such correlation was found in males.

Question 13

What conclusion did Hassett et al. draw from the study?

Answer 13

Toy preferences in monkeys suggest a biological basis, as the preferences developed in the absence of socialisation.

Question 14

How might biology and socialisation interact in human children?

Answer 14

Biological tendencies may be reinforced by societal pressures, such as negative responses to boys playing with ‘girls’ toys.’

Question 15

What are two strengths of the study?

Answer 15

Use of animals eliminates socialisation effects.

Highly standardised procedures with clear behaviour definitions improved reliability.

Question 16

What are two weaknesses of the study?

Answer 16

Differences in measurement methods between monkeys (frequency) and children (duration).

Monkeys were tested in groups, while children were tested individually.

Question 17

What ethical guidelines must be followed when using animals in research?

Answer 17

Replacement: Use alternatives like simulations when possible.

Pain/Distress: Avoid procedures causing unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Housing: Provide conditions resembling the animal’s natural environment.

Question 18

How was harm to the monkeys mitigated in this study?

Answer 18

There is no evidence that the monkeys experienced distress, although one toy was destroyed, potentially as part of play.

Question 19

How does the study relate to the nature vs. nurture debate?

Answer 19

It supports the nature side by showing that biological factors (hormones) influence toy preferences in the absence of socialisation.

Question 20

Define socialisation in the context of gender differences.

Answer 20

Socialisation is the process by which society’s expectations for gender roles influence behaviour and preferences.

Question 21

Define androgens and their relevance to the study.

Answer 21

Androgens are male hormones that influence development; exposure to these hormones affects toy preferences in girls and monkeys.

Question 22

What study did Hassett et al. use for comparison with human data?

Answer 22

Berenbaum & Hines (1992), which showed similar toy preference patterns in children.

Question 23

How were human children’s preferences measured differently from monkeys’?

Answer 23

Children were measured based on duration of play, while monkeys were assessed on frequency and duration.

Question 24

What might be the implications of this study for parenting and education?

Answer 24

Understanding the biological basis of toy preferences can help avoid overemphasising stereotypes while acknowledging natural tendencies.

Question 25

Could cultural bias affect interpretations of gendered toy preferences?

Answer 25

Yes, different cultures have varied expectations of masculinity and femininity, influencing socialisation theories.