AICE Hasset et al

AICE HASSET ET AL FLASHCARDS

What is the Aim for Hasset et al?

Independent Measures study

-To test if sex differences in children’s toy preferences result from biological factors

-To investigate if male and female rhesus monkeys have similar toy preferences to human infants, despite no socialization experience with human toys

Background of the monkeys in Hasset et al

-Rhesus monkeys had been living together at the research centre for 25 years

Sample of Hasset et al

-135 monkeys at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center Field Station

-Included both infant/juvenile and adult monkeys

-The study used 61 females and 21 males

Procedures of Hasset et al

7 25-minute observation trials in an outdoor area

-Wheeled and Plush toys were placed 10 meters apart

1. -(Counterbalanced): Wheeled toys were on the right, plush were on the left in the first half of the trials

2. -Toys varied in size, color and shape: Wagon, truck, car, winnie-the-pooh, scooby-doo and soft toy animals

-Two observers watched the videotapes and used a behavioral checklist to categorize every interaction between the monkeys and the toys

—Recorded start to finish time of the each interaction + duration

—Checklist: Dragging, carrying, holding, sitting on, sniffing, etc.

—Recorded sex, age and rank.

Results of Hasset et al

-Males preferred wheeled toys compared to plush toys but female monkeys did not show a preference for plush toys over wheeled toys

-Females interacted with plush toys more but there was no sex difference between wheeled toys

-Female rhesus monkeys played with toys for a similar total length time

Strengths of Hasset et al

-Use of animals eliminated the effect of socialization

-7 seperate 25-minute trials with different pairs of plush and wheeled toys each trial (Increased validity of the conclusion that males were drawn to wheeled toys) ←Standardized operationalized

• This determined that monkeys were drawn to the toy category (wheeled or plush) rather than a specific toy

-Operationalized behavioral checklist: Guided researchers on how to record observations in the same way. (Increased validity and reliability)

-Quantitative Data: Usage of camera recording limited subjective interpretation of the data.

• Recorded the duration of individual behaviors in seconds and calculated the average time spent interacting with each type of toy for the male monkeys compared with the female monkeys.

Weaknesses of Hasset et al

-Researchers who analyzed the videotapes are very familiar and well acquainted with the monkeys. Observer bias may have increased subjectivity.

-Lack of adult monkeys; 11 males were juvenile/subadult/elderly. Toy interaction may be affected by social rank and age. Only high-ranking male did not interact with the toys.

-Monkeys may have acted this way because they are living in captivity with a lack of predators, are less fearful, and they show greater interest. It is unclear if wild monkeys would act the same (ecological validity). ← might not reflect in the monkey’s natural play behavior in a wild environment.

-Group Testing: Monkeys were observed in groups. This group testing approach might’ve been influenced monkeys by the behaviors or choice of other monkeys (low validity).

Conclusion of Hasset et al

-Male and female rhesus monkeys exhibit toy preferences similar to those seen in human children.