Hassett et al

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

• test if sex differences in children’s toy preferences are due to biological factors rather than socialization.
• investigate whether male and female monkeys have similar toy preferences to human children

Question 2

Research design

Answer 2

Independent measures

Question 3

Research method

Answer 3

Field experiment involving a controlled observation

Question 4

IV

Answer 4

Sex of the monkey

Question 5

DV

Answer 5

Whether the monkeys interacted more with the plush toys or the wheeled toys.

Question 6

Sample

Answer 6

34 monkeys (23 females & 11 males)

Question 7

sampling technique

Answer 7

opportunity sampling

Question 8

result

Answer 8

• Male monkeys played with wheeled toys for a longer time than female monkeys. However, the standard deviation was high, meaning that some males played for longer than others.
• Female monkeys played with plush toys for a longer time than male monkeys. There wasn’t a significant difference in time spent playing with wheeled or plush toys.

Question 9

conclusion

Answer 9

• Sex-typed preferences in humans may be due to biological differences because even without differences in socialisation, monkeys showed preferences similar to human infants.
• Toy preferences reflect behavioural and cognitive biases which have been influenced by hormones.