Child Meets Child: Social Interaction between School-Age Boys

Abstract

A system of recording and analysing interaction, which was originally designed for the study of mother-child interaction was applied to the problem of child-child interaction. The experimental situation involved the first meeting of 2 8-yr.-old boys in a play situation. 5 boys were paired in all possible combinations. Specific individual interactions were analysed on the parameters of dominance, friendliness, and involvement; each S's generalized response characteristics and stimulus characteristics were examined. The contrast between the present findings and the systematic contingencies demonstrated in well-established relationships suggest that this is an effective method for further research.

Social interaction in middle childhood within dyadic groups

“…A study of 8-year-old boys revealed that boys who ranked highest in dominance when paired with each other, displayed their greatest frequency of dominant behavior; they displayed the least amount of dominant be havior with boys ranking low in dominance (Olpin & Kogan, 1969). Studies by Anderson (1939) and Kohn (1966) support the finding that children tend to be instrumental in bringing about the type of behavioral approach that peers make to them in interaction situations.…”

Social interaction in middle childhood within dyadic groups

“…A study comparing a nursery school group and an older day camp group, ages 3 and 8 years respectively, found that in interaction situations the older group was more consis tently compliant or noncompliant regardless of the age of the persons with whom they interacted (Crandall, Orleans, Preston, & Rabson, 1958). A study of 8-year-old boys revealed that boys who ranked highest in dominance when paired with each other, displayed their greatest frequency of dominant behavior; they displayed the least amount of dominant be havior with boys ranking low in dominance (Olpin & Kogan, 1969). Studies by Anderson (1939) and Kohn (1966) support the finding that children tend to be instrumental in bringing about the type of behavioral approach that peers make to them in interaction situations.…”