Hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences)

Hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences).

• Hassett, J M, Siebert, E R and Wallen, K (2008), Sex differences in rhesus monkey toy preferences parallel those of children. Hormones and Behaviour, 54(3): 359-64.
• The study by Hassett et al. was an experiment investigating sex differences for toy preferences in monkeys, whose behaviour is assumed to be more biologically controlled than that of children. Interactions with stereotypical boys' toys and girls' toys were observed and coded using a behavioural checklist. Human participants were not included in the sample of this study. To compare monkey toy preferences to those of children, data from another study was used.
• The psychology being investigated includes: sex differences; socialisation; play; the role of hormones.
• For this study, candidates should understand the background, aims, procedure and methodology as appropriate (research method, sample and demographics, sampling technique, experimental design, controls, question types, data-collection technique, and measured and manipulated variables), ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative results and their representation and interpretation, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses; describe and evaluate the methodology; and relate the study to psychological issues and debates.

This matters because hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences) determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences) to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences) is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.