Relationships between young sisters as revealed in their overt responses.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McFarland, Margaret Beall, 1905- author.

Series:

Child development monographs ; no. 23.

Child development monographs ; no. 23

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Child development.

Behaviorism (Psychology).

Child Development.

Behaviorism.

Medical Subjects:

Child Development.

Behaviorism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Other Title:

Sisters

APA PsycBOOKS.

Place of Publication:

New York City : Teachers College, Columbia University, 1938.

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

text file

Summary:

"In the present monograph Dr. McFarland has reported a first study of the observed responses of young sisters to each other in the home situation. Her observational notes have been supplemented by reports of parents, records of health, tests of intelligence, and case study material. The observations of the two sisters of each pair were made simultaneously in order that relations between responses might be studied directly. The method of recording developed for this purpose is a new one in social studies and should prove useful for further investigations of relationships. In the analysis of data Dr. McFarland has considered the types of activities in which the sisters engaged: social, parallel, and individual. The social activities have then been examined to determine the kinds of interactions which occurred: conflicts, rivalry, direction, submission and resistance, sympathy, protection, helping, giving and lending, affection. In the discussion of each topic, the author has presented not only the statistical analysis of her data but has included, also, first-hand material from the records which give a basis for interpretation and insight into the findings. Perhaps the greatest contribution which this study makes is the picture it gives of the complexity of human social behavior. What type of response will emerge at any time is difficult to predict. Elements within the situation, the strength of drives within either child, the physical condition of the children as well as the more stable personality trends and fundamental relations between the sisters--all have an influence. Herein lies the difficulty for the child as well as for the adult who would study and guide him. Life would be reasonably simple if one could have a straightforward relationship with one's sister, even if that relationship were one of dislike and competition. But it is just because one has many pulls in different directions and many mood swings that relations become complex, involved, and conflicting. Studies of this type may gradually lead us to understand human relationships and to build a basis for better guidance of children's experiences with their peers both at home and at school"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

Notes:

Issued also as thesis (Ph. D.) Columbia University.

Bibliography: pages 229-230.

Electronic reproduction. Washington, D.C. : American Psychological Association, 2011. Available via World Wide Web. Access limited by licensing agreement. s2011 dcunns

Other Format:

Original

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.