Hassett et al. Flashcards
What was the aim of Hassett et al. (2008) study?
To test if sex differences in children’s toy preferences are due to biological factors rather than socialisation.
What species did Hassett et al. (2008) investigate to compare toy preferences?
Rhesus monkeys
What did Wallen’s investigation suggest about toy preferences?
Toy preferences are not primarily a result of socialisation but due to biological differences.
Define animal play.
An activity/action voluntarily and repeatedly done by animals as a form of enjoyment and self-expression.
What does ‘Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)’ signify?
An inherited condition where the foetus is exposed to high levels of prenatal androgens.
What did previous research by Alexander and Hines (2002) find about male vervet monkeys?
More male vervet monkeys than females played with stereotypically male toys.
What was the independent variable in Hassett et al.’s study?
The sex of the monkey (male or female).
What was the dependent variable in Hassett et al.’s study?
Whether the monkeys interacted more with plush toys or wheeled toys.
What was the sample size of the study after exclusions?
82 monkeys (61 females and 21 males).
What was the procedure for the trials in the study?
Seven 25-minute trials were conducted with different pairs of toys placed 10 metres apart.
What types of toys were used in the study?
Wheeled toys and plush toys.
What was a significant finding regarding male monkeys’ toy preferences?
Male monkeys preferred wheeled toys over plush toys.
What was a significant finding regarding female monkeys’ toy preferences?
Female monkeys showed no preference, with an insignificant preference for plush toys.
True or False: Higher-ranking monkeys interacted more with the toys.
True
What was one strength of the study regarding animal care?
Ethical guidelines on treating lab animals were followed.
What did the operationalised behavioural checklist increase in the study?
The validity and reliability of results.
What was a weakness related to the sample of monkeys?
There was a lack of adult males in the sample.
What was a noted limitation regarding ecological validity?
The sample consisted of monkeys in captivity.
What do Hassett et al. believe about the nature vs nurture debate concerning toy preferences?
Toy preferences in humans are due to nature.
Fill in the blank: Male monkeys preferred _______ toys over plush toys.
wheeled
What implications do the findings have for choosing toys for children?
Results suggest boys like moving toys, and girls like plush toys with faces.
What is the correlation between social rank and interaction with toys?
Higher-ranking monkeys interacted more with the toys.
What does the study suggest about the influence of hormones on toy preferences?
Toy preferences reflect behavioural and cognitive biases influenced by hormones.
