A team of researchers set out to study aggressive behavior in preschool children in two different play settings, one where only large playground equipment was present and another where only small toys were present. Aggressive behavior was defined as arguing, taking toys by force, and fighting. The researchers hypothesized that the large playground equipment would produce more sharing, whereas the

Question

small toys would produce more aggression, due to the nature of the toys. To test their hypothesis, the researchers created two groups of children, one for each play area. More aggressive behavior was observed in the small-toy play area. (a) What research methods and techniques were employed? (b) What procedures might have been employed to ensure accuracy in the observing of aggressive behavior? (c) Can we say for sure that the small toys caused aggressive behavior?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

(a) The basic method is a field experiment, based on the presumed use of random assignment of children to the two different play areas. (b) The researchers might have two observers independently record the same behaviors for the same children, thus allowing reliability checks. A high level of observer agreement would be necessary. (c) No, because specific aspects of the play areas were not varied experimentally. Further research would be necessary to ensure that the small toys were indeed responsible, but the researchers were off to a good start.