A developmental examination of the modeling of aggression and altruism

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dan Fawaz (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Garrett Lange

Abstract: The present investigation examined the relative influence of three distinct model types, i.e., aggressive, altruistic and a model who displays both aggression and altruism, to elicit specific behaviors from children of two ages and both sexes. Sixty-four children, thirty-two (sixteen boys and sixteen girls) from the preschool and fourth grade levels were randomly selected as subjects. Each child observed a same sex model display the three model types in a specific task situation. Children, regardless of sex and age, imitated the altruistic model significantly more than the aggressive model and further, seemed to prefer altruistic responses over aggressive ones in all conditions. The implications of an altruistic predisposition are discussed in relation to the often cited male predisposition to be more aggressive.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1976

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